The Listening Process

“The only way to entertain some folks is to listen to

them.”- Kin Hubbard

Is listening the same as hearing?

There is actually a difference! Hearing is the act of receiving

sound. When you hear something, you are

aware of the sounds. Listening involves hearing, but is

much more complicated then just picking up sounds.

Listening is a 4 step process…

1. Receiving 2. Interpreting3. Evaluating4. Responding

Receiving The first step to the listening process. It involves hearing and seeing. You use your ears and eyes to gather

information. Your ears take in vocal tones and words. Your eyes read the nonverbal signals.

(Facial expressions, gestures, and eye movements.)

Interpreting

Once you have “received” a message, you have to use your own experience to interpret what you just heard.

An effective listener tries to interpret the speaker’s message to truly understand what they are trying to say.

People’s interpretations can differ.

Evaluating

After interpreting the message, you must evaluate what you hear.

You have to connect that message to your ideas or feelings about the subject of the message.

You decide if you agree or disagree, or need more information.

Responding

Almost all messages require some type of response.

Responses can be verbal or nonverbal.

The listener’s response is important for effective communication.

4 Types of Listening

1. Informational2. Empathic3. Critical4. Creative

Informational Listening Involves listening to information such

as directions, explanations, or news. You are listening for information

when… You take notes in class You take a phone message Listen to the news or weather

Informational listening is the basis for all other types of listening.

Critical Listening

Critical listening means examining an informative or a persuasive message and making decisions about your findings.

Involves separating fact from opinion

Example: Political Advertisements

Creative Listening

Using your active imagination as you interpret a message

Also called, recreational listening Examples…

Listening to music Listening to a comedian

Empathic Listening

Listening to another person’s feelings

Listening without trying to solve the problem

Requires patience Examples: counselors, good

friends

Barriers to Listening

“People who know little are usually great talkers, while men who know much say little.”

- Jean Jacques Rousseau

Speaker Barriers

Characteristics of the speaker that interfere with listening. Distracting appearance and manner Prejudice (narrow-minded speakers) Lack of Believability

Listener Barriers

Personal attitudes or behaviors that interfere with listening.

Internal Distractions Lack of Knowledge Personal Prejudices Desire to talk

Guidelines for Good Listening

1. Watch for nonverbal clues2. Try to see things from the

speaker’s point of view3. Avoid distractions4. Listen for the new and unusual

idea5. Listen for repetition

Guidelines for Good Listening

6. Get Prepared7. Respond to the speaker8. Apply the ideas to yourself9. Listen for structure10. Review and Preview the points

Listening Activity

1. Take out a piece of paper2. When I tell you to begin, everyone

will be silent for 3 minutes.3. You are to write down

EVERYTHING you hear in those three minutes.

*** Remember to be quiet!

Homework (due tomorrow)

Write 2-3 paragraphs about a time when a friend or relative did not listen to what you had to say. What were your reactions? How did you feel? Think about each step in the listening process and explain. (Receiving, Interpreting, Evaluating and Responding)