Active listening means focusing on what someone says without preparing your reply while they’re talking. It requires being fully present—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally.

The 5 Steps of Active Listening:

Be Present – Eliminate distractions.

Show You’re Listening – Nod, maintain eye contact, use small verbal cues like “mm-hmm.”

Reflect Back – “So what I’m hearing is…”

Ask Clarifying Questions – “Can you tell me more about that pain?”

Summarize – Briefly restate what they said to confirm understanding.

What Not to Do:

Interrupt

Multitask

Assume or finish their sentences

Mini Exercise:
Write down 3 ways you can improve your listening during your next patient interaction.