What do you do if you want to enhance your active listening skills using virtual reality?

1 Choose a VR platform

The first step is to choose a VR platform that suits your needs and preferences. There are many options available, from standalone headsets to mobile devices to desktop computers. Each platform has its own advantages and disadvantages, such as cost, quality, compatibility, and accessibility. You should consider factors such as your budget, your hardware, your comfort level, and your goals when choosing a VR platform. For example, if you want to practice active listening in a realistic and immersive way, you might prefer a high-end headset that offers a wide field of view and spatial audio. However, if you are more interested in convenience and affordability, you might opt for a mobile device that can run VR apps and games.

2 Find a VR app or game

The next step is to find a VR app or game that can help you practice active listening. There are many VR apps and games that focus on different aspects of communication, such as conversation, negotiation, presentation, and storytelling. Some of them are designed specifically for active listening, while others can be adapted to include active listening elements. For example, you can use a VR app that simulates a social situation, such as a party, a meeting, or a date, and practice active listening with the virtual characters. Alternatively, you can use a VR game that involves cooperation, collaboration, or problem-solving, and practice active listening with your teammates or opponents.

3 Set a goal and a challenge

The third step is to set a goal and a challenge for yourself. A goal is a specific and measurable outcome that you want to achieve by practicing active listening in VR. A challenge is a difficulty or obstacle that you want to overcome or avoid by practicing active listening in VR. For example, your goal might be to improve your comprehension, empathy, or rapport with the speaker. Your challenge might be to deal with distractions, interruptions, or disagreements. Setting a goal and a challenge can help you focus your attention, motivate your effort, and evaluate your progress.

4 Reflect and repeat

The final step is to reflect and repeat. Reflection is the process of reviewing and analyzing your performance and feedback. Feedback is the information that you receive from the VR app or game, the speaker, or yourself about your active listening skills. For example, the VR app or game might give you a score, a rating, or a comment on your active listening. The speaker might give you verbal or nonverbal cues, such as nodding, smiling, or asking questions. You might give yourself self-assessment or self-feedback, such as checking your understanding, identifying your strengths and weaknesses, or noting your feelings and thoughts. Reflection can help you identify what you did well, what you need to improve, and how you can improve. Repeat is the process of practicing and applying what you learned from reflection. Repeat can help you consolidate your learning, reinforce your skills, and increase your confidence.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?