On a scale of 25-100 (100 = highest), how do you rate yourself as a listener? _____
Let’s find out how accurate your perception is. Rate yourself in the following situations and total your score.
4 = Usually, 3 = Frequently, 2 = Sometimes, 1 = Seldom
____ I try to listen carefully even when I’m not interested in the topic.
____ I’m open to viewpoints that are different from my own.
____ I make eye contact with the speaker when I’m listening.
____ I try to avoid being defensive when a speaker is venting negative emotions.
____ I try to recognize the emotion under the speaker’s words.
____ I anticipate how the other person will react when I speak.
____ I take notes when it’s necessary to remember what I’ve heard.
____ I listen without judgment or criticism.
____ I stay focused even when I hear things I don’t agree with or don’t want to hear.
____ I don’t allow distractions when I’m intent on listening.
____ I don’t avoid difficult situations.
____ I can ignore a speaker’s mannerisms and appearance.
____ I avoid leaping to conclusions when listening.
____ I learn something, however small, from every person I meet.
____ I try not to form my next response while listening.
____ I listen for main ideas, not just details.
____ I know my own hot buttons.
____ I think about what I’m trying to communicate when I speak.
____ I try to communicate at the best possible time for success.
____ I don’t assume a certain level of understanding in my listeners when speaking.
____ I usually get my message across when I communicate.
____ I consider which form of communication is best: email, phone, in-person, etc.
____ I tend to listen for more than just what I want to hear.
____ I can resist day-dreaming when I’m not interested in a speaker.
____ I can easily paraphrase in my own words what I’ve just heard.
____ Total
Scoring
75-100 = You’re an excellent listener and communicator. Keep it up.
50-74 = You’re trying to be a good listener, but it’s time to brush up.
25-49 = Listening isn’t one of your strong points. Start paying attention.
Back to Active Listening.
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