Active listening is one of the most valuable and most overlooked communication skills in the workplace. While most people hear what is being said, effective leaders and professionals know how to truly listen, understand, and respond in ways that build trust, strengthen relationships, and improve collaboration.

This interactive workshop teaches participants how to move beyond simply hearing words to actively understanding the speaker's message, emotions, and intent. Through practical techniques, real-world scenarios, guided discussions, and skill-building exercises, participants will learn how to acknowledge what they hear, ask meaningful clarifying questions, and confirm understanding before responding.

Participants will explore common listening barriers, recognize habits that interfere with effective communication, and practice techniques that improve conversations with coworkers, customers, supervisors, and stakeholders.

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Explain the principles and benefits of active listening.
• Identify common barriers that prevent effective listening.
• Demonstrate techniques for listening with empathy and intention.
• Ask clarifying and probing questions to improve understanding.
• Use paraphrasing and summarization to confirm key messages.
• Recognize verbal and nonverbal communication cues.
• Respond appropriately in challenging or emotionally charged conversations.
• Apply active listening skills to improve teamwork, customer service, conflict resolution, and workplace relationships.

Course Topics

• The Communication Process
• Hearing vs. Active Listening
• Barriers to Effective Listening
• Listening with Empathy
• Verbal and Nonverbal Communication
• Asking Effective Questions
• Paraphrasing and Confirming Understanding
• Active Listening During Difficult Conversations
• Active Listening in Customer Service
• Building Trust Through Effective Communication
• Creating a Personal Listening Improvement Plan

Pricing is for virtual, for onsite, please contact the trainer.