Active Listening

Active listening is a communication technique that has been around for many years and that has been used successfully [blank] all types of endeavor - not just business. Parenting classes, marital relationships, public schools, counselling, and tutoring are just some of the areas [blank] active listening is a valued skill. As the name implies, the focus of active listening as a tool for improving communication is [blank] listening rather than talking. It is a process where the listener sets aside his own thoughts to concentrate more clearly on what the speaker is actually saying instead of what the listener thinks the speaker is saying. It takes practice to master the basic techniques [blank] active listening, and you will probably feel awkward applying the technique in the beginning. But because the point is to increase effectiveness [blank] decreasing the possibility of misunderstandings, it is worth a little discomfort.