Healthwise
To print: Use your web browser's print feature. Close this window after printing.

Active Listening

Table of Contents


Overview

Active listening is a process that includes:

Hearing is not the same as listening. Hearing is a physical process. A person can hear what another person is saying but not listen to the message.

Listening is an active process of thinking about the meaning of the message that was heard. Sometimes two people don't interpret what they hear in the same way. A person's interpretation may vary according to personal values, beliefs, and past experiences.

Active listening requires the listener to check with the speaker to make sure that the message is understood in the way it was intended. The listener needs to pay attention to the behaviors and tone of the speaker.

Practicing active listening

Active listening takes practice. When you want to actively listen to someone, use these tips.

Using active listening with teens

When you actively listen to a teen, understand that teens often think others are watching and judging them. They may need reassurance that you are listening and that you aren't judging them. It is also important to be genuine with teens. They can spot an insincere adult. Don't try to be a buddy with a teen. Teens don't like it when adults in their lives try to act like teens themselves.

When listening to a teen, pay close attention to how he or she describes the situation. Make a mental note if you think the teen doesn't understand what is happening. When the timing seems right, clarify any misunderstandings the teen has about the situation.


Credits for Active Listening

Current as of: October 24, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
Clinical Review Board (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.


Note: The "printer friendly" document will not contain all the information available in the online document. Some information (e.g. cross-references to other topics, definitions or medical illustrations) is only available in the online version.

© 1995-2024 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.