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Becoming a Better Listener

Jason Alba

Improve your listening skills, improve your career, and be a more valuable asset to your company and your clients.

The ideas in this course can help you communicate better by listening better. We cover ideas that you can incorporate right now! You can improve your active listening skills, show people you care about them and their message, and have better relationships.

This course is no longer available. Find something similar by browsing:
Active Listening Listening Skills Communication Skills Interpersonal Skills Career Development

What's inside

Syllabus

The What and Why of Listening
Improve Your Active Listening Skills
Active Listening Skills Tips and Systems
Helping Others Listen to You
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores how people listening habits impact teams, companies, and careers
Taught by Jason Alba, who is a successful leadership and communications coach
Develops the abilities to show empathy, rebuild trust, and improve communication which are core skills for business professionals

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Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
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Reviews summary

Practical active listening for communication

Learners widely regard "Becoming a Better Listener" as a highly practical course offering immediately applicable strategies for improved communication. Students frequently commend its clear, concise content and its suitability as an excellent introduction for beginners. The course's lessons have broad applicability, benefiting both professional and personal interactions. While feedback is largely positive, some note a lack of advanced depth, suggesting it's primarily for foundational understanding. The instructor's engaging delivery is also a consistent highlight.
Excellent introduction to active listening skills.
"As someone new to conscious listening, this was the perfect starting point for me."
"It provided a solid foundation for anyone wanting to improve their basic communication skills."
"The course gently guides you through the core concepts, making it very accessible for novices."
Well-structured, easy to follow, and to the point.
"The explanations were very clear and easy to grasp, without any unnecessary jargon."
"It's concise, without unnecessary fluff, making it perfect for busy professionals like me."
"Each module felt just right, delivering key points effectively without overwhelming the learner."
Instructor delivers content clearly and engagingly.
"The instructor's delivery made potentially complex ideas very accessible and relatable."
"I found the instructor engaging and knowledgeable throughout the lessons; truly a good guide."
"Their examples made the theory easy to relate to real-life situations, which was very helpful."
Provides immediately applicable strategies and tools.
"The strategies were immediately applicable to my conversations, making a noticeable difference right away."
"I've started using these tips at work and with my family; they truly transform how I engage."
"I now approach discussions with more awareness and intention, a truly practical course for daily life."
Relevant for both professional and personal life.
"I'm applying these listening skills both in client meetings and with my spouse—it's transformative."
"This course has improved my communication at work and in my personal relationships significantly."
"Whether for career or family, the lessons here are universally helpful and deeply impactful."
May be too basic for experienced learners.
"For seasoned communicators, some parts might feel a bit elementary and repetitive."
"I was hoping for more advanced techniques, but it's largely foundational material."
"While good for basics, it didn't offer the deeper insights or complex scenarios I sought."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Becoming a Better Listener with these activities:
Listen to Podcasts on Communication
Enhance your listening comprehension and gain exposure to different perspectives on communication.
Browse courses on Communication Skills
Show steps
  • Identify a podcast that focuses on communication and listening.
  • Listen to episodes related to active listening and communication skills.
Online Tutorials on Active Listening
Explore online resources and tutorials to further refine your understanding of active listening strategies.
Browse courses on Active Listening
Show steps
  • Search for reputable online tutorials on active listening.
  • Watch or read the tutorials to learn new techniques or reinforce concepts.
Improving Active Listening
Practice the skills and techniques covered in the course to improve your active listening abilities.
Browse courses on Active Listening
Show steps
  • Identify and practice the five levels of active listening.
  • Role-play different listening scenarios to practice your skills.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Listening Feedback Group
Receive and provide feedback on your listening skills from peers to identify areas for improvement.
Browse courses on Active Listening
Show steps
  • Form a group of 3-4 peers.
  • Take turns presenting a topic and listening to each other's feedback.
  • Provide constructive criticism and suggestions for improvement.
Crucial Conversations
Gain insights and strategies for effective communication in challenging conversations, enhancing your listening skills.
View Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the book and take notes on key concepts and techniques.
  • Identify specific situations where you can apply the principles.
Active Listening Plan
Develop a personalized plan to implement active listening techniques in your interactions.
Browse courses on Active Listening
Show steps
  • Identify situations where you want to improve your listening.
  • Set specific goals for improving your listening skills.
  • Create a plan to practice and evaluate your progress.
Seek a Listening Mentor
Identify individuals who excel in active listening and seek their guidance to improve your skills.
Browse courses on Active Listening
Show steps
  • Identify potential mentors within your network or through professional organizations.
  • Reach out to mentors and express your interest in learning from them.
Active Listening in the Workplace
Apply your listening skills in a workplace setting to enhance professional communication and relationships.
Browse courses on Active Listening
Show steps
  • Identify a specific workplace situation where active listening can be implemented.
  • Develop a plan to implement active listening techniques in the situation.
  • Implement the plan and evaluate its effectiveness.

Career center

Learners who complete Becoming a Better Listener will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Negotiator
Negotiators represent clients in negotiations and work to achieve favorable outcomes. Excellent listening skills are essential for understanding the needs and interests of all parties involved and developing effective negotiation strategies. The 'Becoming a Better Listener' course provides techniques for active listening, persuasive communication, and conflict resolution. It also covers strategies for preparing for negotiations and managing difficult conversations, which are all key skills for Negotiators. For those seeking a career in negotiation, this course is highly recommended.
See salaries and explore the career path for Negotiator
Journalist
Journalists gather, analyze, and report on news and current events. Active listening is essential for conducting interviews, understanding sources, and presenting information accurately and fairly. The 'Becoming a Better Listener' course provides techniques for active listening, critical thinking, and ethical reporting. It also covers strategies for building relationships with sources and protecting confidential information, which are all important skills for Journalists. For those aspiring to a career in journalism, this course is highly recommended.
See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist
Counselor
Counselors provide support and guidance to individuals facing personal, social, and emotional challenges. Active listening is a cornerstone of counseling, as it allows counselors to deeply understand their clients' experiences and perspectives. The 'Becoming a Better Listener' course teaches techniques for empathetic listening, reflection, and validation. It also covers strategies for building rapport and creating a safe space for clients to share their thoughts and feelings. For those pursuing a career in counseling, this course is highly recommended.
See salaries and explore the career path for Counselor
Mediator
Mediators facilitate negotiations and help parties resolve conflicts. Excellent listening skills are essential for understanding the perspectives of all parties involved and finding mutually acceptable solutions. The 'Becoming a Better Listener' course provides techniques for active listening, empathy, and conflict resolution. It also covers strategies for building trust and creating a safe space for parties to negotiate, which are all key skills for Mediators. For those aspiring to a career in mediation, this course is highly recommended.
See salaries and explore the career path for Mediator
Customer Success Manager
Customer Success Managers ensure that customers have a positive experience with a company's products or services. Excellent listening skills are essential for understanding customer needs, resolving issues, and building lasting relationships. The 'Becoming a Better Listener' course provides techniques for active listening, empathy, and building trust. It also covers strategies for communicating effectively with customers and managing their expectations, which are all key skills for Customer Success Managers. For those looking to excel in this role, this course is highly recommended.
See salaries and explore the career path for Customer Success Manager
Psychologist
Psychologists study human behavior and mental processes. Excellent listening skills are essential for conducting therapy sessions, gathering case histories, and making accurate diagnoses. The 'Becoming a Better Listener' course provides techniques for active listening, empathy, and therapeutic communication. It also covers strategies for conducting psychological assessments and developing treatment plans, which are all key skills for Psychologists. For those pursuing a career in psychology, this course is highly recommended.
See salaries and explore the career path for Psychologist
Salesperson
Salespeople sell products or services to customers. Excellent listening skills are essential for understanding customer needs, building relationships, and closing deals. The 'Becoming a Better Listener' course provides techniques for active listening, empathy, and persuasive communication. It also covers strategies for identifying customer pain points and developing effective sales pitches, which are all key skills for Salespeople. For those seeking a career in sales, this course is highly recommended.
See salaries and explore the career path for Salesperson
Diplomat
Diplomats represent their countries in foreign relations and negotiations. Effective listening skills are paramount for building relationships with foreign officials, understanding cultural nuances, and resolving conflicts. The 'Becoming a Better Listener' course teaches techniques for active listening, empathy, and cross-cultural communication. It also covers strategies for negotiating effectively and maintaining diplomatic relationships, which are essential skills for Diplomats. For those aspiring to a career in diplomacy, this course is highly recommended.
See salaries and explore the career path for Diplomat
Human Resources Manager
HR Managers oversee the human resources functions of an organization, including recruitment, employee relations, and training and development. Excellent listening skills are essential for understanding employee concerns, resolving conflicts, and fostering a positive work environment. The 'Becoming a Better Listener' course provides techniques for active listening, empathy, and building trust. It also covers strategies for conducting effective performance evaluations and managing employee disputes, which are all key skills for HR Managers. For those seeking a career in human resources, this course is highly recommended.
See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Manager
Lawyer
Lawyers advise clients on legal matters, represent them in court, and draft legal documents. Excellent listening skills are essential for understanding client needs, gathering evidence, and presenting arguments effectively. The 'Becoming a Better Listener' course provides techniques for active listening, critical thinking, and persuasive communication. It also covers strategies for conducting legal research and analyzing complex legal issues, which are all key skills for Lawyers. For those pursuing a career in law, this course is highly recommended.
See salaries and explore the career path for Lawyer
Market Researcher
Market Researchers gather and analyze data to understand consumer behavior and market trends. Active listening is essential for conducting surveys, focus groups, and interviews. The 'Becoming a Better Listener' course provides techniques for active listening, data analysis, and report writing. It also covers strategies for designing effective research studies and interpreting research findings, which are all key skills for Market Researchers. For those seeking a career in market research, this course is highly recommended.
See salaries and explore the career path for Market Researcher
Police Officer
Police Officers enforce the law, prevent crime, and protect the public. Excellent listening skills are essential for understanding citizen concerns, gathering evidence, and resolving conflicts. The 'Becoming a Better Listener' course provides techniques for active listening, empathy, and de-escalation. It also covers strategies for conducting effective interrogations and writing detailed reports, which are all key skills for Police Officers. For those aspiring to a career in law enforcement, this course is highly recommended.
See salaries and explore the career path for Police Officer
Community Organizer
Community Organizers work with communities to identify and address issues, empowering them to make positive changes. Effective listening skills are crucial for understanding the needs of the community and building trust. The 'Becoming a Better Listener' course provides techniques for active listening and empathizing with others. It also covers strategies for facilitating group discussions and building consensus, which are essential skills for Community Organizers. For those committed to community development, this course may be useful.
See salaries and explore the career path for Community Organizer
Chief Executive Officer
CEOs oversee the overall operations of a company, making strategic decisions and managing day-to-day activities. To succeed, they need to be effective communicators who can listen attentively to employees, customers, and stakeholders. The 'Becoming a Better Listener' course teaches techniques for active listening, helping CEOs better understand the perspectives of others and make informed decisions. It also covers tips for showing empathy and building relationships, which are crucial for leading a successful organization. For aspiring CEOs, this course may be useful.
See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Executive Officer
Account Manager
Account Managers build relationships with existing customers to help boost growth and revenue. Improving listening skills can help you better understand your clients, anticipate their needs, and tailor your offerings accordingly. The course 'Becoming a Better Listener' teaches you how to listen actively and show empathy, which are essential skills for building and maintaining client relationships. For those seeking to succeed in this role, this course may be useful.
See salaries and explore the career path for Account Manager

Reading list

We've selected eight books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Becoming a Better Listener.
Cover image
The Lost Art of Listening
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of listening skills, including active listening, reflective listening, and empathic listening. It great resource for anyone who wants to improve their listening skills in any context.
The Lost Art of Listening: How Learning to Listen...
Paperback
$$
The Lost Art of Listening, Second Edition: How...
Paperback
$$
The Lost Art of Listening: How Learning to Listen...
Hardcover
$$
The Lost Art of Listening: How Learning to Listen...
Kindle Edition
$
Cover image
The Nonviolent Communication Book of Quotes
Save
Introduces the principles of Nonviolent Communication, a powerful tool for improving communication and resolving conflicts. It great resource for anyone who wants to learn how to listen to others with empathy and compassion.
The Nonviolent Communication Book of Quotes
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
A Mission Statement for Your Life
Save
This best-selling book provides a framework for personal and professional success. It includes a chapter on listening that is essential reading for anyone who wants to improve their communication skills.
A Mission Statement for Your Life
Paperback
Check
A Mission Statement for Your Life
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Group Discussion
Save
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of interpersonal communication, including a chapter on listening. It great resource for students who want to learn more about the theory and practice of listening.
Group Discussion
Paperback
Check
Group Discussion
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Lost Art of Listening, Third Edition
Save
Provides a spiritual perspective on listening. It explores the importance of listening to others with compassion and empathy, and how it can help us to grow and connect with others.
Lost Art of Listening, Third Edition
Paperback
Check
Lost Art of Listening, Third Edition
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader
Save
Provides practical advice on how to improve your listening skills as a leader. It includes tips and techniques that can help you to listen more effectively to your team members and stakeholders.
The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader:...
Hardcover
$$
The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader:...
Audible Audiobook
$
(Español) Las 21 Cualidades Indispendables de un Lider [The...
Audible Audiobook
$$
Leader ke 21 Anivarya Gun (The 21 Indispensable...
Hardcover
$$
The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader :...
Paperback
$$
The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader:...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The 5 Apology Languages
Save
Provides a framework for understanding how people express and receive love. It can help you to improve your listening skills by understanding the different ways that people communicate their needs and feelings.
The 5 Apology Languages
Paperback
Check
The 5 Apology Languages
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Difficult Conversations
Save
Provides a framework for having difficult conversations in a constructive and productive way. It can help you to improve your listening skills by providing tools and techniques for managing your emotions and communicating your needs clearly.
Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What...
Paperback
$$

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Course image
Time
94 hours
Level
Introductory
Via
Pluralsight
Instructor
Jason Alba
Language
English
Becoming a Better Listener belongs to the following collections:
  1. Communications for Technologists
  2. Business Communications with Data
  3. Communications for Technologists
  4. Communications for Project Managers
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores how people listening habits impact teams, companies, and careers
Taught by Jason Alba, who is a successful leadership and communications coach
Develops the abilities to show empathy, rebuild trust, and improve communication which are core skills for business professionals
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