Active Listening

This listening skills activity builds essential communication tools through structured partner sharing. Active Listening provides a framework for developing deeper connections and understanding, supporting both individual and group health and well-being. Trainers and group facilitators value how this practical exercise naturally develops empathy and communication skills whilst creating meaningful dialogue between participants. The blend of guided practice and reflection makes it perfect for workshops, counselling sessions or team development where building authentic listening skills matters.

Active Listening – Listening Skills Activity

1. In advance, download the Print+Play Active Listening Prompt sheets from the Resources tab, one for each small group.
2. Gather your group.
3. Announce that you will soon lead them through a brief exercise that will help to sharpen their listening skills.
4. Form pairs or small groups of 3 or 4 people.
5. Ask one person in each pair or group to volunteer as the first speaker.
6. Prompt these volunteers to respond to a question you pose, eg What are you most looking forward to today?
7. Allow each speaker 2 to 3 minutes to share with their partner(s.)
8. Instruct all other members to only listen to the speaker, ie offer no judgement or immediate responses.
9. When the speaker has finished sharing, invite the listeners to respond by following the Active Listening Prompts one at a time.
10. Allow several minutes for listener responses to be shared.
11. When ready, repeat this process with a new speaker responding to a new question, eg What is one of your favourite memories?
12. When all group members have spoken, regather your group.
13. Invite your group to reflect on their experience in groups or as a whole.