Training of Roma Health Mediators in Reproductive Health

3) poses open questions in order to help the person reflect on his/her problem and
alternatives, and to find a solution to his/her own problem. Active listening
communicates acceptance of the person in that the “helper” does not communicate
judgments nor solutions. It facilitates decision-making by the individual.
‣ In what way is active listening important to interpersonal communication in
reproductive health?
Women may have questions, concerns and problems that influence their ability to adopt
certain practices that would benefit their health and the health of their young children. They
may pose informational questions which in fact represent rumors, beliefs, anxieties or
disagreement with a partner. Active listening is useful to help bring out what may be behind
a woman’s initial statements, questions or responses, in order to be able to better respond to
these concerns and to anything that may prevent her from making a positive change in
behavior.
Steps in learning active listening
Explain that active listening is made up of three techniques:
• Passive listening
• Paraphrase
• Open questions
Add that:
• You will demonstrate each step
• At the end of the session, all participants will have an opportunity to practice Active
Listening when they participate in role plays of interpersonal communication.
• This is only an introduction. Mastery of the techniques requires continued practice.
Refer to the first component of active listening; passive listening. Ask the group:
‣ What do you do when you listen to someone passively? Why?
Listen without speaking in order to hear and understand what the other person is saying
Invite participants to observe a demonstration of passive listening (done by 2 trainers or a
trainer and a participant). One individual (a trainer or a participant) takes the role of a
woman in the community and explains a problem, need or concern. The other individual (a
trainer) takes the role of the mediator, responding with non-verbal and one-word responses
(“Yes”, “I see”, “Mm-mm”, “Right”, “OK”, “Uh-huh”, nodding etc, and maintaining eye
contact) to encourage the woman to continue to explain her concern. (1 minute)
Ask the group:
‣ What did the mediator do?
‣ What jests did she use?
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RFHI/JSI Romania Training of RHMs in Reproductive Health Session 14: Interpersonal Communication