Thomas Gordon: Active Listening Thomas Gordon feels that one the most effective ways of responding to children’s “feeling” or “problem” messages is the invitation to say more or as he calls it, “the door opener”. This type of response invites the child to share his own feelings or ideas. The important thing is that the listener does not communicate any of his own judgments or feelings. When the listener refrains from asking questions, giving advice, teaching or moralizing, the student feels encouraged to start and continue talking. Gordon feels that this is because this technique conveys acceptance and respect for the student by valid