TYPES OF LISTENING

TYPES OF LISTENING

Types of listening according to function

 Listening performs a variety of functions (Seiler 107) as discussed below.

1.                  Informative/Informational Listening

               -People listen to get information and comprehend daily occurrences such as weather forecasts, sports, directions, instructions and orders received from superiors and the like.

*CHARACTERISTICS*

·         The goal is to accurately receive information from another person.

·         It does not involve criticizing or judging; only learning.

·         Sample scenarios include following directions, exchanging ideas or learning about someone through personal stories.

* TIPS*

·         Focus on key points.

·         Take notes.

·         Link common ideas together.

·         Repeat information silently or aloud.

2.                   Evaluative/Critical Listening

        -This kind of listening is done to judge or analyze information gathered or heard. The listener discriminates and listens with a critical mind before believing, accepting or reacting to what was heard after judging the evidences, arguments, facts or opinions presented by the speaker.

*CHARACTERISTICS*

 - The goal is to consider ideas heard from a speaker to describe if they make sense.

- It helps in making decisions based on logic and evidence rather than on emotion.

- Sample scenarios include listening to a political debate, a radio program or a restaurant critique.

*TIPS*

- 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.

3.                  Empathic Listening

      -This is the most effective kind of listening. It involves physical, emotional and intellectual aspects of the listener (Weaver 113). It aims to understand, comfort and help others lessen their burden or share in their joy by putting oneself in their shoes. It is experiencing the outlook or emotion of another as a sort of emotional support. Empathic listening is a healing and soothing process that can help you, as a listener, understand and gain perspective of the speaker's problem so you can console and lessen the pain the suffer.

*CHARACTERISTICS *

- The goal is to understand what the speaker is saying and feeling.

- It involves in making 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.

*TIPS*

- Paraphrase what the other person says to seek understanding.

- Focus on the speaker's emotion.

- Avoid judging or criticizing. Let the person "ventilate" if needed.

4.                  Appreciative Listening

       -This kind of listening aims to seek pleasure, personal satisfaction and appreciation. People listen to music, watch a sitcom or go to a movie to enjoy and relax. Despite its lighter function, listening for enjoyment involves more than sitting back and letting the sounds get to your ears. To enjoy something, you must also understand and evaluate it before appreciation takes place.

*CHARACTERISTICS*

 - The goal is to listen for enjoyment or entertainment.

- It does not involve serious analysis or evaluation of information.

- Sample scenarios include attending a rock concert, listening to music at home or going to a Broadway show.

*TIPS*

- Make an effort to block out background noise.

- Avoid engaging in conversation.

- Turn off electronic devices (cell phones, PDA's, watch alarms and the like).

TYPES OF LISTENING ACCORDING TO MODES

 Listening, as a complex process, have three basic modes.

1.      Competitive or Combative Listening

-          It occurs when you are more interested in promoting your own point of view than understanding or exploring someone else's view. You listen for flaws or weak points and internally rebuttal and plan a devastating comeback that will destroy your opponent's argument and be the victor.

2.      Passive or Attentive Listening

-          It happens when you are genuinely interested in hearing and understanding another person's point of view. You are attentive but you passively listen. You assume that you heard and understood the message but you ignore it and do not verify if you are right or wrong.

3.      Active or Reflective Listening

-          It is the most important listening skill. You are truly interested in what the speaker is thinking, feeling and wanting or what the message means. You are active in checking out your understanding of the message before responding. You paraphrase the message and send it back to the sender for verification; thus, communication becomes effective.

Ronabel E. Ladia        

Rupert Michelleshen David

BSED- MT 2-1D