Question

I. What is the difference between passive and active listening. Give at least one example for each. II. Outline the techniques that help you to listen actively. III. What is the difference between open and closed questions. IV. How do open questions help in the conversation V. What is the difference between verbal and non-verbal probes. Give example for each. vi. Discuss some probing techniques.

Answer 1

ANS- Passive listening- It is basically more than hearing. We listen without any reactions. We allow an individual to speak and we don't interrupt. At the same time, we don't do anything and sometimes we don't pay attention to the speaker's words. It is basically a one-way communication where the listener doesn't provide any feedback or he/she doesn't ask any questions and doesn't understand the speaker's message.

Active listening- we understand the message of the speaker and we understand what he want to convey. It is very different from passive listening. It is not unfocused listening. We ask questions, we reflect back and it shows that we are listening. We understand the feelings of an individual, we understand the message of an individual. This allow the speaker to tell his feeling in-depth and help him/her to come to new realizations.