Active Listening With Empathy: Soft Skills To Take Feedback Course Syllabus

Overview: This concise, hands-on course is designed to build essential active listening and empathetic communication skills. Through practical exercises and real-world scenarios, you'll learn to overcome common barriers, apply verbal and nonverbal techniques, and adapt your listening across one-on-one, group, and virtual settings. The course spans approximately 6 hours of focused learning, divided into 8 structured modules. Each module builds your ability to listen with empathy, take feedback constructively, and foster stronger professional relationships. With lifetime access, you can learn at your own pace and immediately apply techniques in real-time conversations. A certificate of completion is provided upon finishing the course.

Module 1: Foundations of Active Listening

Estimated time: 0.5 hours

• Understanding the difference between hearing and listening
• Identifying common obstacles to effective listening
• Recognizing internal and external listening barriers
• Overcoming assumptions and distractions during conversations

Module 2: Verbal Techniques & Responses

Estimated time: 0.75 hours

• Using paraphrasing to confirm understanding
• Applying summarization techniques in conversations
• Asking open-ended and clarifying questions
• Using probing questions to deepen dialogue

Module 3: Nonverbal Cues & Presence

Estimated time: 0.75 hours

• Maintaining eye contact, posture, and facial expressions
• Using body language to show engagement and attentiveness
• Managing distractions from digital devices and environment

Module 4: Empathy & Emotional Validation

Estimated time: 1 hour

• Reflecting feelings to show understanding and care
• Acknowledging perspectives without judgment
• Demonstrating empathy through tone and verbal acknowledgments

Module 5: Listening in One-on-One Conversations

Estimated time: 0.75 hours

• Building rapport through personalized attention
• Handling sensitive topics with confidentiality
• Applying active listening in coaching and feedback settings

Module 6: Group & Team Listening

Estimated time: 0.75 hours

• Facilitating inclusive discussions in team settings
• Ensuring all voices are heard during group conversations
• Managing dominant speakers and encouraging quieter participants

Module 7: Virtual & Remote Listening

Estimated time: 0.75 hours

• Optimizing audio/video settings for clarity
• Reducing lag and technical distractions in virtual calls
• Using verbal check-ins and digital signals to confirm understanding

Module 8: Applying Active Listening on the Job

Estimated time: 0.5 hours

• Integrating listening skills into performance reviews
• Creating action plans to reinforce learning
• Establishing follow-up routines for continuous improvement

Prerequisites

• Basic understanding of workplace communication
• Familiarity with common digital communication tools
• Willingness to reflect on personal listening habits

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Recognize and overcome common listening barriers like distractions and assumptions
• Apply techniques such as paraphrasing, summarizing, and clarifying questions
• Demonstrate empathy through tone, body language, and verbal acknowledgments
• Adapt listening styles for one-on-one, group, and virtual conversations
• Use active listening to resolve conflicts and build stronger professional relationships