Psychotechnics: active listening

[Teacher]

The method of active listening is used in psychological counseling, psychotherapy, and is also an important tool in the work of a profiler - verifier. The method allows you to better understand the feelings and state of the interlocutor, helps the person to talk, and also helps to win over the interlocutor. The method involves the use of special techniques in the conversation, which we will talk about in this article.

Pause. It would seem that this is just a pause ... But the most frank confessions can happen just after it. A pause gives the interlocutor an opportunity to think. It is extremely difficult to withstand pauses, and if it is possible to withstand this silence, then the interlocutor, after the pause, may say something else that he would not have said without her.

Clarification. Please tell us more or "expand" the above. Everyone has their own understanding of words in their heads, which, it would seem, mean the same thing to everyone. For example: “How did you understand that they do not appreciate you?”, “What exactly do you mean when you say that you want peace of mind?”.

Paraphrase. The technique assumes that the listener in his own words repeats what his interlocutor has just said in a more general form. This technique is aimed at creating a trusting contact between the interlocutors and the feeling that "they understand me."

Echo. The effect of this technique is similar to the effect of the pause technique. The listener does not say anything much, only repeats a few words of the interlocutor, which reflect the essence of what he said.

Perception message. The listener gives feedback to the interlocutor, shows that he understands him, uses a description of his perception of what he heard: “I see that this topic is very difficult for you”, “I hear a lot of anxiety when you remember that case ”,“ What you are telling can really make it angry. "

Reflection of feelings. Phrases are used that correspond to the experience of a person: "You are in pain now ...", "You were angry at that moment."

When using active listening, it is important to remember the following rules:

- the interlocutor should not be interrupted;

- eye contact is important throughout the conversation;

- you should not help the interlocutor with the answer, it is better to pause and give the opportunity to answer him himself;

- feedback is important, let it be a head nod or a meaningful "mmm";

The method of active listening allows you to correctly perceive information, interpret it correctly and makes it possible to get as much detail and detail as possible. A productive conversation requires not only the ability to ask questions and speak for yourself, but also the ability to listen and hear.

Active listening can be used wherever there are two people. To a greater extent, it plays an important role in the field of work and relationships.