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Writer's pictureSharon Curtain & Shivaun Conn

Listen on purpose

Active listening uses both our ears and our eyes



Re-thinking how we listen.

As a health coach listening is a much more than just ‘hearing’. It’s an active and dynamic process where we ‘listen on purpose’ - a skill we refer to as Active Listening.


This means:

  • paying attention to the verbal and nonverbal cues you are conveying, and observing those of your client

  • helping clients to feel heard and understood by using effective questioning, reflections, showing curiosity and giving them space to speak by being silent.


Active listening is where you make a conscious effort to hear not only the words that another person is saying but, more importantly, the complete message being communicated by their tone and body language.


When we use active listening to ‘listen on purpose’ we:

  • Listen for clues about barriers and importance

  • Listen to the non-verbal cues that show engagement, connection, barriers and resistance

  • Ask open ended questions to evoke self discovery

  • Allow silence

  • Reflect and summarise to show understanding

  • Affirm strengths & learnings


When it comes to communication, active listening skills are key.

Health coaches master active listening an essential skill of effective communication. It shows that you are engaged and interested in what clients are saying, helping clients to feel listened to and heard. It’s also allows you to develop a deeper understanding of where the client is at, considering their experience, values and their strengths.


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