Beginner level · Module 2: Workplace Communication and Teamwork · Lesson 1 of 3
Active Listening
Listen to understand, not just to reply.
In this lesson you will
- Use active listening techniques
- Check understanding
Key concepts
attentionopen questionsparaphrasingsummarising
The lesson
Active listening means full attention: put the phone away, make appropriate eye contact and do not interrupt.
Ask open questions ('What happened next?') and paraphrase ('So the delivery was late twice?') to check understanding.
Summarise agreements at the end so everyone leaves with the same understanding.
Step by step
- Listen to a partner's story without interrupting.
- Ask two open questions.
- Paraphrase.
- Summarise.
Practice activity
Complete the listening exercise in pairs.
Expected result: Accurate paraphrases and summaries.
Check your understanding
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What is paraphrasing?
Show answer
Repeating the meaning in your own words to check understanding.
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Give an example of an open question.
Show answer
What happened next?
Taught live by an instructor — online or in person. Free course lessons are for self-study and do not lead to a certificate — see registration options.