Effective listening skills include which of the following?

Practicing patience to absorb information is a fundamental aspect of effective listening skills. Active listening requires the listener to fully engage in what the speaker is saying without rushing to responses or conclusions. This involves allowing the speaker to express their thoughts and feelings completely, creating an environment of trust and respect. By practicing patience, you enable yourself to understand the speaker's message better, which not only enhances communication but also fosters a supportive atmosphere essential in peer support settings.

In contrast, interrupting the speaker can create barriers to effective communication, as it may suggest that the listener values their own input over the speaker's message. Avoiding eye contact is typically counterproductive in active listening, as it can signal disinterest or discomfort, making the speaker feel undervalued. Additionally, offering unsolicited advice can undermine the speaker's experience; it’s often more beneficial to listen and validate their feelings rather than provide immediate solutions without invitation.