ACTIVE LISTENING AS A MEANS TO ACHIEVE BETTER UNDERSTANDING AND EXACT ARRANGEMENT OF THOUGHTS

Abstract

In the article three types of listening are considered: cosmetic (in which there is absence of real communication in the form of exchange of opinions and feelings), conversational (resembling two monologues existing at one and the same moment) and active (implying full awareness and assurance of identifying the point of view of the interlocutor). In the article the methods used in active listening are analyzed. These methods include clarification, verbalization, reflection of the interlocutor’s emotions and summarizing. Also additional techniques of active listening are considered, among which there are: the attitude towards what the interlocutor is saying, control of facial expression, making a pause before speaking, avoiding paying attention to the interlocutor’s individual specific features, putting open and special questions, paying attention to non-verbal signals, avoiding criticism, brief verbal confirmation and others. The skills of active listening are very important in all spheres of life, both personal and professional. These skills must be improved, at lessons of foreign languages as well, as they help solve the problem of communicative competence of students and have great importance for their future professional activity. In the article there are detailed instructions to exercises aimed at improving skills on active listening.