5.3.2 self-Quiz: Discover Your Listening Styles

Discover Your Listening Styles

Place a check mark next to each of the items you agree with. Then determine how many listening styles you use by seeing which categories have three or more checked statements. Don’t be surprised if you have more than one listening style!

People-Oriented Listeners

I focus my attention on others’ feelings when listening to them.

When listening to others, I quickly notice whether they are pleased or disappointed.

I become emotionally involved when listening to others’ problems.

I nod my head and use good eye contact to show interest in what others are saying when I listen.

Action-Oriented Listeners

I become frustrated when others don’t present their ideas in an orderly, efficient way.

When listening to others, I focus on inconsistencies or errors in what they’re saying.

I often jump ahead and finish others’ thoughts in my own mind while listening.

I get impatient with people who ramble on during conversations.

Content-Oriented Listeners

I enjoy listening to technical information.

I prefer to listen to facts and evidence so I can personally evaluate them.

I like the challenge of listening to complex information.

I enjoy asking probing questions to gather additional information.

Time-Oriented Listeners

When hurried, I let others know that I have only a limited amount of time to listen.

I often begin discussions by telling others how long I can meet with them.

I interrupt others when I feel pressure to move on to another task.

I look at my watch or at a clock when I have limited time to listen to others.