Active listening is a technique that is used in counseling, training, and solving disputes or conflicts. It requires the listener to fully concentrate, understand, respond and then remember what is being said.
This is opposed to other listening techniques like reflective listening and emphatic listening. Reflective listening is where the listener repeats back to the speaker what they have just heard to confirm understanding of both parties. Empathetic listening is about giving people an outlet for their emotions before being able to be more open, sharing experiences and being able to accept new perspectives on troubled topics that cause emotional suffering.
Listening skills may establish flow rather than closed mindedness.
Active listening involve;
- Concentrated listening
- Understanding before responding
- Responding
- Remembering what is being said
Reference Wikipedia