types of listening

1. Types of Listening American Society for Training and Development

2. 2 Four Primary Types Informational Critical Appreciative Empathic

3. 3 Informational Listening Goal is to accurately receive information from another person Does not involve criticizing or judging, only learning Sample scenarios include following directions, exchanging ideas, or learning about someone through personal stories

4. 4 Tips for Informational Listening Focus on key points Take notes Link common ideas together Repeat information silently or aloud

5. 5 Critical Listening Goal is to consider ideas heard from a speaker to decide if they make sense Helps with making decisions based on logic and evidence, rather than on emotion Sample scenarios include listening to a political debate, a talk radio program, or a restaurant critique

6. 6 Tips for Critical Listening Look for evidence to support ideas Consider the source of the evidence Check for logical reasoning Make a special effort to understand what the speaker is saying

7. 7 Appreciative Listening Goal is to listen for enjoyment or entertainment Does not involve analyzing or evaluating information Sample scenarios include attending a rock concert, listening to music at home, or going to a Broadway show

8. 8 Tips for Appreciative Listening Make an effort to block out background noise Avoid engaging in conversation Turn off electronic devices (cell phones, PDAs, watch alarms, etc.)

9. 9 Empathic Listening Goal is to understand what the speaker is saying and feeling Involves making an effort to look at the world through someone else�s view Sample scenarios include listening to an irate client, helping a friend with an emotional situation, or listening to someone who received bad news

10. 10 Tips for Empathic Listening Paraphrase what the other person says to seek understanding Focus on the speaker�s emotions Avoid judging or criticizing; let the person �vent� if needed