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Tips on… Active listening
BMJ 2001; 323 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/sbmj.0108283b (Published 01 August 2001) Cite this as: BMJ 2001;323:0108283b
- Ruth McGuire, trainer in staff development and communication skills
Active listening
For most people, listening is a passive activity, and there is often confusion between hearing and listening. Research suggests that people listen to only 30% of what they hear.
Barriers to effective listening include preoccupation with own interests or worries, appearance of the speaker, noise, etc.
Active sensitive listening requires hearing, understanding, …
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