When I was learning to fly a helicopter, one of the very key components was using the radio communications – it sounded like a foreign language to me and I thought ‘I’m never going to get this’. My instructor told me “It’s in English – you just have to listen”

When I started training businesses in leadership skills – listening was, again, a very key component even more so is Active Listening.

Active listening is a vital communication skill that involves fully engaging with a speaker and comprehending their message beyond the surface level. It goes beyond merely hearing words and instead focuses on understanding the speaker’s intent, emotions, and underlying meaning. By actively listening, you can foster stronger connections, build trust, and enhance your overall communication effectiveness. Remember one of Steven Covey’s 7 habits is ‘Seek first to understand’. You do that by listening first!

To effectively practice active listening, it is essential to employ various strategies. The mnemonic “LISTEN” can serve as a helpful reminder of key elements (From the film “Listen” published by Melrose):

L ook interested 

Show encouragement by:

• Facing the speaker
• Keeping eye contact
• Staying relaxed
• Learning forward slightly
• Maintaining an open posture

I nquire with questions

• Clarify the speaker’s meaning
• Ensure you get the full story
• Remember the various types of questions open to you – open, closed, probing

S tay on target

• Stick to the point – remember your purpose
• Listen for the central theme of what is being said

T est your understanding

• Ensure you really do understand what the speaker is saying
• Restate to make sure “so what you’re saying is……”

E valuate the message

• Identify the speaker’s purpose
• Analyse what is said:
• Reasoning, flaws or fallacies, generalisations, causes linked to effects
• Emotional appeal
• Evidence, facts or assertions, complete or partial
• Language, use of unfamiliar words, jargon
• Body language, consistent with verbal message
• Voice related indicators, tone, pitch, speed of delivery

N eutralise your feelings 

• Stay calm; retain self-control
• Don’t get heated or emotional
• Keep an open mind

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