Active listening techniques include:
• Building trust and establishing rapport
• Demonstrating concern
• Paraphrasing to show understanding
• Nonverbal cues which show understanding such as nodding, eye contact, and leaning forward
• Brief verbal affirmations like “I see,” “I know,” “Sure,” “Thank you,” or “I understand”
• Asking open-ended questions
• Asking specific questions to seek clarification
• Waiting to disclose your opinion
• Disclosing similar experiences to show understanding