The core of effective communication is active and empathetic listening
Active listening is supremely important in dialogue, as feeling truly heard is essential for meaningful human communication. This makes active listening a tool that’s worth practicing over and over again.
Active listeners are self-aware and fully engaged in conversations. They approach discussions with genuine curiosity, seeking to understand the core message while being receptive to emotions, asking thoughtful questions, and adapting their language to suit the unique flow of the conversation.
Active listening is a catalyst for engaging with differences
In Soliya’s model, active listening is a catalyst for engaging with differences, as diversity is perceived beyond what was said, and is considered as an opportunity to explore deeper levels under personal stories that deserve to be told and heard.
Active listening is listening with curiosity, non-judgment, and the intention to understand what is being said as well as what is not being said. It's not just hearing the position or opinion shared with you, but fully engaging with the other person by acknowledging the feelings behind those words, reflecting on what is being heard, and asking questions to understand better what is being conveyed to you. Active listening requires close attention to the narrator, the narration, and your own state of listening.
Understanding what lies beneath the surface for each person – personal experiences, identities, and context - opens the space for deepening the human connection through empathy. Being able to see the world through someone’s lenses, brings awareness of what, how, and when to say.
Feeling heard is a powerful motivator for humans in any conversation to keep sharing more, build relationships, and learn together through collaboration. That's why active listening is the foundation upon which all of the other communication tools and techniques are built!
Eager to practice?
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Global Circles
A short cross-cultural exchange opportunity, where participants from around the world gather in small, facilitated online groups to discuss current events and global issues that matter to them.