Active listening

Pay attention to another person’s meaning and check that you have understood it.

Why it matters

Checking understanding can reveal differences in meaning before people act on an assumption. Listening gives you a chance to clarify what someone means and respond to the point they are making.

What this can look like

• asks a clarifying question instead of assuming what was meant
• summarises another person’s point to check understanding
• responds to the point expressed after giving the person space to explain

Youth relevance

In friendships or when discussing responsibilities in shared work, young people may understand the same words differently. Asking what someone means can help them respond to the concern or request being expressed.

Ways young people can practise this skill

• check your understanding of another person’s view before responding in a discussion
• clarify what others mean by a shared responsibility or proposed decision
• listen to someone’s account of an experience and check that your summary reflects what they meant

Connected themes

• Main theme · Communication
• Collaboration & teamwork
• Inclusion & diversity