Active Listening

What’s the real difference between a conversation and a monologue? You might say, “Well, a conversation involves at least two people talking, while a monologue is just one person holding the floor.” But it’s not quite that straightforward. If you’ve got two people talking but neither is actually listening or trying to grasp the essence of what the other is saying—just waiting for their turn to jump back in—then what you’ve got isn’t a conversation. It’s more like two monologues happening side by side, just performed by different folks.

To steer clear of this, the trick is to employ Active Listening Phrases. Sure, initially, you might feel like you’re forcing these phrases into your dialogue. It might even come off as slightly awkward or artificial. But hang in there. These phrases will soon blend into your speech seamlessly, enriching your interactions and making them feel more natural and flowing.

So, how do you get started? Pick out one or two phrases from each category and make it your mission to incorporate them into your next English conversation. Maybe turn it into a game—sketch out a bingo card and tick off a phrase every time you manage to use it. This little game can significantly boost your eagerness to engage in conversations, as you’ll be itching to tick off all those boxes.

After a bit of practice, you’ll find these phrases slipping out effortlessly. And as your delivery becomes more fluid, the quality of your conversations will soar.

And remember, the goal here is to enrich our conversations, making them more engaging and meaningful. By practicing active listening and thoughtful response, we open up a world of deeper understanding and connection.