Final answer:
Active listening involves paying attention to and avoiding distractions, as well as reflecting and paraphrasing to demonstrate understanding. It requires being aware of both verbal and non-verbal cues and asking open-ended questions to delve deeper into the speaker's perspective.
Step-by-step explanation:
The two steps for active listening involve first, paying attention and avoiding distractions, so you can fully engage with the speaker. Second, reflect on the message by restating and paraphrasing what was said, in order to demonstrate understanding and provide an opportunity for clarification if needed. When you pay attention, it's important to be aware of not only the words but also the emotions and body language of the speaker. Summarizing what you've heard can solidify your understanding and reassure the speaker that their message is being received as intended.
Being an active listener means effectively managing your reactions, such as maintaining eye contact and using gestures to show empathy, without interrupting or imposing your own narrative onto the speaker. Asking open-ended questions can help delve deeper into the speaker's perspective, enhancing the conversation and rapport. To summarize, it's vital to capture the main points of the discussion and reflect on their significance within the given context. These techniques contribute to more effective and empathetic communication, especially in situations of potential conflict.