What is a key component of good listening skills?

Keeping eye contact with the person who is speaking is a key component of good listening skills because it demonstrates engagement and attentiveness. When a listener maintains eye contact, it conveys to the speaker that their message is valued and that the listener is focused on what they are saying. This non-verbal cue plays a critical role in effective communication as it helps establish trust and connection, encouraging a more open dialogue. Additionally, maintaining eye contact helps the listener to process the information being shared more effectively, making them better prepared to respond or offer feedback later in the conversation.

Asking questions to clarify information is also important but serves a different purpose in the listening process; it enhances understanding rather than being a standalone component. Providing feedback while the speaker is talking can disrupt the flow of their thoughts and may detract from full comprehension. Lastly, restating what the speaker has said at the end is a valuable technique for confirming understanding but happens after the primary act of listening, rather than being a foundational element during the exchange. Thus, maintaining eye contact stands out as essential in actively conveying that the listener is present and engaged during the conversation.