Active listening for adolescent

Good communication is one of the most important factors that contribute to success in relationships. Half of any form of communication is listening well to the other person, this is why using active listening skills can help out a lot in your communications with people and it delivers a message that you care for what they are saying and their point of view. 

Active listening lifts the burden of having to come up with good solution to problems and changes the dynamic, where the problem and the solution are both shared, meaning that, coming up with a solution to a problem is as much the role of your partner in the conversation as it’s yours.

Tips for improving your active listening skills

• Be in the “here & now” state of mind

  This means that you need to be focused and attentive to what is being said at the present moment, if you notice that your drifting away, bring back your attention to what is being said.

  Leaving any devices, like phones and tablets will help you. If you are doing something that can be put off till later, then do that. 
  Listen, to understand what is being said and try not to think about your next reply. 

  Doing all this, shows the other person that you are interested in what they are saying and that you really care about their point of view and their feelings. 

• Adjust your body language 

  Trying to sit close to the person you are speaking to with your body open (no cross legs or arms) and facing them. All this gives the impression of interest. 
  
  Nodding your head or commenting with phrases like “I understand” or “This must be hard” shows the other person that you are listening and following what they are saying. 
  
  Good eye to eye contact and avoiding being distracted by devices or things you’re doing helps as mentioned previously. 

• Show that you are trying to understand 

  Listening to what the other person is saying while you try to put yourself in their place will help you understand more and more about their point of view and how they are feeling (this doesn’t necessarily mean that you would agree with them). 

  Rephrasing what they just said and repeating it to them also helps invite them to say more and make the picture clearer while showing that you have been listening intently. Summarizing what you understand so far, every now and then, shows them that what they’re saying is important enough for you to remember. 

  Choosing your words carefully and avoiding judgments and accusations in your language is important. It helps them open up more to you without being defensive.