Reesby Academy · Communication & Public Speaking
Active Listening at Work
Listen in ways that build understanding and trust.
About this course
Many workplace misunderstandings happen because people listen to reply rather than to understand. This course introduces active listening techniques that help you clarify meaning, show empathy and respond more effectively, even when a conversation is difficult. Practise one technique at a time, and you'll notice people opening up more quickly.
What you will be able to do
- You'll be able to demonstrate attention through verbal and non-verbal cues
- You'll be able to paraphrase accurately to confirm understanding
- You'll be able to ask clarifying questions without interrupting
- You'll be able to reflect feelings and facts in difficult discussions
Course outline
- Tools you'll need5 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quizActive listening needs no software. What helps most is a notebook for reflection, a calendar for practice and a willingness to be curious.
- Listening to Understand7 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quizListening to understand means focusing on what the other person means, not on what you want to say next. It is the foundation for every other active listening skill.
- Non-Verbal Signals7 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quizMuch of listening is non-verbal. Eye contact, posture, facial expression and tone show the other person whether you are present. Use them naturally, and be aware that they vary across cultures and individuals.
- Paraphrasing and Clarifying7 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quizParaphrasing means restating what you heard in your own words to check understanding. It is one of the most effective listening skills because it shows you have heard the message and gives the speaker a chance to correct you.
- Questions That Deepen Understanding7 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quizClarifying questions help you understand details without interrupting. Open questions invite explanation, and specific questions pin down facts, timing and what happens next.
- Listening Through Difficult Moments7 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quizDifficult conversations test listening most. Reflect the feelings and facts, stay calm when the other person is upset, and agree on what happens next.
- Careers & next steps5 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quizStrong listening is valued in almost every role that involves people, especially those that deal with clients, patients, students or teams. These careers draw on the skills in this course.
- Final quiz and certificate10 questions, pass mark 8 of 10. Pass to get your Reesby Academy certificate with a verification link.