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• Avoiding distractions: You must first identify the sources of your
diversions. To listen properly, you must physically remove all
distractions. Reduce the ringtone on your mobile or turn it off while
attending a meeting or listening to someone to avoid distraction.
Another example is that you should avoid regularly checking your
Instagram/Whatsapp messages.
• Providing feedback: Feedback can be either positive or negative.
However, in both circumstances, one must be respectful so that the
person receiving the input doesn’t get hurt or insulted.

• Clarify and Ask Questions: If something is unclear, ask open-ended questions to gain a better understanding.
• Provide Thoughtful Responses: Respond in a way that acknowledges the speaker’s perspective and adds
value to the discussion.

Phases of Active Listening
‘Active listening’ is the best type of listening. It occurs when you hear, comprehend, respond to, and recall
what is being spoken. The following are the five phases or stages of active listening:

1. Receiving: This involves paying attention to the speaker and actively taking in the information being
communicated without distractions.
2. Understanding: This means comprehending the message by interpreting words, tone, and non-verbal
cues correctly.
3. Remembering: This refers to retaining and recalling key information from the conversation when needed.
4. Evaluating: This is the process of analysing and assessing the message to determine its validity, importance,
and relevance.
5. Responding: This involves providing feedback through verbal or non-verbal means to show that the
message has been received and understood.

How can active listening be ensured?
To ensure active listening, use the acronym ‘RESPECT:’
R – Remove (distractions), such as phone notifications, background noise, or multitasking, to focus entirely on
the speaker.
E – Eye contact with the speaker to show attentiveness and engagement. This signals that you are actively
listening and interested in what they are saying.
S – Show that you are paying close attention to the speaker through gestures. Use non-verbal cues like
nodding, smiling, or leaning slightly forward to demonstrate interest and encouragement. This reassures
the speaker that they are being heard.

P – Pay attention and concentrate on what the speaker is saying. Focus on the speaker’s words, tone, and
emotions without planning your response.

E – Empathise with the speaker’s feelings. Understand and share the speaker’s feelings by putting yourself in
their shoes.

C – Clear up any doubts, ask questions.
T – Tune in to the speaker’s timing, i.e., wait for the speaker to complete before responding. This ensures they
feel truly heard and valued.

Overcoming Barriers to Active Listening
You must have now understood the phases of active listening and various factors affecting active listening.
Let us now attempt to comprehend how to overcome barriers to active listening.

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