Active listening techniques

Non-verbal signs of attention

Active listening must be visible. It is not enough to pay attention mentally; the interlocutor needs to physically perceive that he or she is being listened to.

To do this, specific nonverbal cues are used that act as "silent validators".

Maintaining constant eye contact (without being intimidating) is the primary signal of interest.

Body posture should be open and slightly forward leaning, indicating receptivity.

Subtle gestures such as rhythmic nodding or smiling at appropriate times reinforce the connection without interrupting the speaker's verbal flow.

Avoiding distractions such as looking at your watch, phone or surroundings is crucial; any deviation of gaze can be interpreted as disinterest or disrespect, breaking the trust dynamic.

Paraphrasing and verbal feedback

The auditory complement to active listening is minimal and strategic verbal interventions.

Using brief reinforcers such as "I understand," "of course," "uh-huh," or "I see" during the other's speech keeps the channel open and encourages continuation. However, the most powerful technique is paraphrasing or rephrasing.

It consists of repeating in one's own words what has been understood from the sender's message, for example: "If I have understood correctly, what you are concerned about is X because of Y".

This not only shows that you have been paying attention, but also allows you to correct misunderstandings instantly.

Paraphrasing acts as a cognitive mirror that reflects the refined message, validating the sender's experience and ensuring that both interlocutors are on the same page before moving on to resolution or resp