Listening Skills

Being a good listener takes practice.
It can be helpful to clear your mind of distractions before meeting with a student.

Characteristics of a Good Listener: 1

  • Talks minimally.
  • Concentrates on what is being said.
  • Does not interrupt.
  • Does not give advice.
  • Gives and does not expect to get.
  • Accurately hears the content of what the student is saying.
  • Accurately hears the feelings behind what the student is saying.
  • Communicates to the student that he or she has been heard.
  • Asks clarifying questions.
  • Does not ask other kinds of questions.

Adapted in May 2010 from Neukrug’s The world of the counselor: An introduction to counseling.