The habit of listening requires that you should not only listen to the spoken words but also you should understand body language. Not understanding body language becomes a roadblock, in the process of active listening. The body language includes the following aspects:
1. Posture: Posture of relaxed alertness indicates that you are accepting and paying attention to what the speaker says. It helps you sit forward & incline your body slightly towards the speaker. You should also face the speaker head on. Further keep an open posture with your arms and legs unfolded.
2. Movement: Movement should be avoided & such gestures that detract from the subject should be avoided. Your movement if any must be responsive to the speakers movement.
3. Eye Contact: Eye contact forms the next important point. Eye contact tells the speaker that you are interested in what he / she says. However it should not be interested in what he/ she say. However it should not be used excessively. These are skills that are used to encourage the speakers to speak. These should be active in ways that do not got into ways of what he / she are doing.
This means that you should not ask questions that divert the attention. The following skiils should also include.
- Use door openers rather than door slammers: Examples include, “What is on your mind?”, “What do you think?” or “ Would you like to tell me more about that?”. They should however be used , when you find time available for such questions.
- Use Encouragers: These are the nods and sounds like,” Please go on.”
- Asking Questions: IF your questions are relevant then they should be frequent, precise and articulate.
- Being Silent: Silence in a conversation does gives the speaker the space to feel, think & find the way to express himself. You can use silent pauses to observe expression posture or gesture of the speakers.
