What is the theory behind this Active listening worksheet (PDF)?

Active Listening is a skill that enables the listener to pay full attention to and understand both non-verbal and verbal messages that are being conveyed to them in a conversation. They also display certain verbal and nonn-verbal behaviours that indicate they are actually fully attentive and interested in what is being said. It is one of the key skills that holds the foundation of all interpersonal relations. 

How will the worksheet help?

The worksheet will help an individual to list down their opinion and experience of active listening both as the speaker and the listener. It can help them identify problematic areas in their own listening style so that they can work towards improving them. 

How to use the worksheet?

.Reflect on what active listening means to you and answer the questions. Use your perspective both as a speaker and listener to write down what verbal and nonverbal signs indicate active listening in a conversation. Evaluate your responses based on some indicators of active listening at the end of the worksheet. 

Active Listening worksheet (PDF)

Active listening is a key skill that lays the foundation of strong interpersonal relations. The skill includes using both verbal and nonverbal gestures to make the speaker feel like they are truly being listened to and understood. The aim of active listening is to ‘listen to respond’ and not ‘listen to react’.

• When you are the speaker, what verbal and non-verbal indications from the listener make you feel like they are interested and fully immersed in the conversation?

• When you are the listener,  which of your verbal and non-verbal actions indicate you are interested in and fully attentive towards the speaker’s responses?
• Evaluate your responses based on the following signs of Active Listening:

Verbal	Non-Verbal
Positive reinforcement, Remembering key points, Asking relevant questions, Paraphrasing the message to show it has been received well, Summarising the key points, Seeking clarification through open questions or prompts	Smile, Eye Contact, Appropriate posture, Mirroring facial expressions, avoiding any behaviour that indicates you are distracted

Reference

Leonardy, N. (2020) Active Listening Techniques: 30 Practical Tools to Hone Your Communication Skills. Rockridge Press. 

You can download this worksheet here.