Active Listening Flashcards
6 cards from real Communication & Teamwork practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Active Listening flashcards as text
What are 'minimal encouragers' and how do they support active listening?
Answer: Brief verbal or nonverbal signals like 'mm-hmm,' 'I see,' or nodding that tell the speaker you are engaged and encourage them to continue
Minimal encouragers are brief signals that let the speaker know you are following along without interrupting the flow of the conversation.
What does 'non-evaluative listening' mean?
Answer: Listening without passing judgment on the speaker or their message, which encourages open and honest sharing
Non-evaluative listening means withholding judgment while the speaker shares, which creates safety for open and honest communication.
How does physical environment affect active listening in a team setting?
Answer: A noisy, cluttered, or uncomfortable environment creates physical distractions that compete with the listener's ability to focus
Physical distractions such as noise, poor acoustics, or uncomfortable seating compete for cognitive attention and reduce listening effectiveness.
What is 'listening fatigue' in a workplace context?
Answer: Mental exhaustion that reduces listening quality after extended periods of intense auditory and cognitive processing
Listening fatigue occurs when prolonged, intense listening depletes cognitive resources, reducing the ability to fully attend to and process new information.
What is a 'clarifying question' in active listening?
Answer: A question asked to gain a better understanding of a speaker's message, intent, or feelings
Clarifying questions help the listener verify their understanding of the speaker's message and signal genuine engagement with what is being shared.
Why is it important to suspend assumptions when practicing active listening?
Answer: Assumptions cause listeners to fill in gaps with inaccurate information rather than hearing the speaker's actual message
When listeners fill in gaps with assumptions rather than listening to what is actually said, they misinterpret messages and respond to what they expected, not what was communicated.