Active Listening

Definition

Active listening is the process of fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and remembering what is being said during a conversation. This technique goes beyond merely hearing words; it involves engaging with the speaker, showing empathy, and providing feedback to ensure that the message is accurately interpreted. In various communication contexts, active listening fosters deeper connections and promotes effective information exchange.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Active listening requires the listener to maintain eye contact and use body language that shows engagement, like nodding and leaning slightly forward.
2. This technique is crucial in interviews, as it helps journalists capture not only the content but also the emotions behind a source's responses.
3. Summarizing what the speaker has said can demonstrate understanding and encourage further elaboration, making the conversation more productive.
4. Active listening involves avoiding interruptions and resisting the urge to formulate responses while the other person is speaking.
5. Practicing active listening can lead to stronger relationships with sources by making them feel valued and understood.

Review Questions

• How does active listening enhance the quality of interviews conducted by journalists?
  • Active listening greatly improves the quality of interviews by allowing journalists to fully understand their sources' messages. By engaging with the speaker and demonstrating empathy, journalists can ask relevant follow-up questions that dive deeper into important topics. This technique not only helps in gathering more accurate information but also creates an environment where sources feel comfortable sharing more personal insights.
• Discuss the role of feedback in active listening and its importance in building rapport with sources.
  • Feedback plays a vital role in active listening as it allows listeners to confirm their understanding of what has been communicated. By paraphrasing or summarizing key points, journalists show that they value their sources' perspectives. This practice fosters rapport by establishing trust and encourages open dialogue, making sources more willing to share further details or clarify their thoughts.
• Evaluate how active listening contributes to effective character development in profile writing.
  • Active listening is essential for effective character development in profile writing because it helps writers capture nuanced details about a person's personality, emotions, and motivations. By truly engaging with subjects during interviews, writers can gain insights that go beyond surface-level traits. This deeper understanding allows for richer storytelling and more authentic portrayals, ultimately leading to more compelling profiles that resonate with readers.

Related terms

Empathy:

The ability to understand and share the feelings of another person, which enhances connections and trust in conversations.

Feedback: Information given to a speaker about their message or delivery, which helps clarify understanding and improves communication.

Nonverbal Communication: The transmission of messages or information without the use of words, often through body language, facial expressions, and gestures.