Active listening communication skills

Master active listening for better relationships and communication. Techniques: 1. Give full attention (put phone away, make eye contact). 2. Don't interrupt or plan response while listening. 3. Use verbal affirmations ('I see', 'go on'). 4. Paraphrase to confirm understanding ('So what you're saying is...'). 5. Ask open-ended questions. 6. Notice non-verbal cues (body language, tone). 7. Suspend judgment. Empathize before problem-solving. Listen to understand, not to respond. 80/20 rule: listen 80%, talk 20%. Improves relationships, reduces conflicts, builds trust. Practice in all conversations.