How can you use body language to improve active listening skills?

2 Lean forward slightly

Leaning forward slightly is a sign of curiosity, engagement, and attentiveness. It shows that you are eager to hear what the speaker has to say and that you are following their train of thought. It also creates a sense of closeness and rapport between you and the speaker. However, be careful not to lean too much or invade the speaker's personal space, as this can be perceived as aggressive or intrusive. Keep a comfortable distance and posture, and lean back when the speaker pauses or changes the topic.

3 Mirror the speaker's gestures

Mirroring is a subtle way of mimicking the speaker's gestures, expressions, or tone of voice. It can help you establish a connection and rapport with the speaker, as it shows that you are on the same wavelength and that you empathize with their feelings. It can also help you understand the speaker's perspective and emotions better, as you are simulating their state of mind. However, mirroring should not be too obvious or exaggerated, as it can seem insincere or mocking. Try to mirror the speaker's gestures naturally and subtly, and avoid copying their exact movements or words.

4 Avoid negative or distracting signals

While positive body language can enhance your active listening, negative or distracting signals can undermine it. Some examples of negative or distracting signals are crossing your arms, frowning, yawning, looking at your phone, or interrupting the speaker. These signals can convey boredom, disagreement, impatience, or disrespect to the speaker, and make them feel less valued or heard. They can also distract you from the message and reduce your concentration and comprehension. Try to avoid these signals and replace them with positive ones, such as nodding, smiling, or asking questions.

5 Ask for clarification or feedback

One of the best ways to use body language to improve your active listening is to ask for clarification or feedback from the speaker. This shows that you are interested in their message and that you want to understand it better. It also gives them an opportunity to elaborate, explain, or correct any misunderstandings or gaps in your knowledge. You can use gestures such as raising your hand, pointing, or tilting your head to indicate that you have a question or a comment. You can also use verbal cues such as "Could you please repeat that?" or "What do you mean by that?" to ask for clarification or feedback.

By using body language to improve your active listening, you can enhance your critical thinking skills and gain more insight and knowledge from others. Body language can help you show respect, empathy, and curiosity to the speaker, and also help you focus, comprehend, and evaluate their message. However, body language should not be used in isolation, but in combination with other active listening techniques, such as paraphrasing, summarizing, or reflecting. By doing so, you can improve your communication and collaboration skills, and become a better critical thinker.