- Focus fully on speaker.
- Avoid interrupting their thoughts.
- Maintain consistent eye contact.
- Show interest through nods.
- Reflect on what’s shared.
- Ask clarifying questions kindly.
- Paraphrase to confirm understanding.
- Stay patient, avoid rushing responses.
- Notice speaker’s tone changes.
- Respond with empathy always.
- Summarise key points briefly.
- Avoid forming premature opinions.
- Use encouraging verbal cues.
- Clarify unclear points politely.
- Respect pauses in conversation.
- Avoid multitasking while listening.
- Keep body language open.
- Avoid jumping to solutions.
- Ask open-ended questions thoughtfully.
- Validate speaker’s feelings genuinely.
- Stay curious, not judgemental.
- Respect their emotional boundaries.
- Recognise unspoken cues attentively.
- Avoid making assumptions prematurely.
- Repeat important details occasionally.
- Avoid imposing personal views.
- Reflect on speaker’s emotions.
- Encourage elaboration with questions.
- Be present in moment.
- Observe non-verbal communication carefully.
- Acknowledge speaker’s perspective openly.
- Stay calm and composed.
- Refrain from defensive reactions.
- Minimise external distractions immediately.
- Seek deeper understanding sincerely.
- Avoid correcting unnecessarily mid-speech.
- Stay engaged, not reactive.
- Be respectful during disagreements.
- Give undivided attention consistently.
- Restate shared concerns briefly.
- Listen beyond the words.
- Appreciate their shared insights.
- Seek clarity before responding.
- Focus on what’s unsaid.
- Avoid dominating the discussion.
- Keep an open mind.
- Respond to speaker’s priorities.
- Show gratitude for sharing.
- Be curious, not critical.
- Stay attentive to details.
Microstuff: Active Listening 50
Small Prompts, Big Results: microprompts to support Active Listening
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