empathetic listening

Most of us would think that we are good at empathetic listening. However researches had proven that majority of the population are not good listeners. The majority will spend the time thinking about what to say rather than listening to the speaker.

Listed below are some of the listening modes, please check which of the modes you are fond of doing:

a. Shallow or superficial listening

He seem to be interest in the speaker, but whatever enter into one ear will come out on the next. He just pretend to be interested.

Remedy: Try to learn something from the speaker, there must be some points where the speaker has a better knowledge than you.

b. The impatient

He is the person who would rather speak than listening. He cannot wait for the speaker to complete the sentences, he will interrupt and change the topic prematurely.

c. Self-absorbed

He is too preoccupied with his own thoughts, needs and problems. He is not concern about what others have to say. He is also thinking about what to say next.

d. other- absorbed

He is the opposite of the self-absorbed. He is subordinating, unassertive and is more interested to please the speakers. He is likely to have low self esteem and lack of confident.

e. Literal type

He is a good listener, but he only listen to the spoken words and miss the other messages through the body languages. He should realize that listening come from the heart.

g. Critical listener

He tends to analyse all the spoken words and other messages. It is true that critical analysis is important, but do not over do it, it does not mean that all words to be analysed.

h. Empathetic listening

He is listening with his heart without any judgement and criticism. He seek to understand the speakers point of view and focuses on making connection with the speakers.

It is our aim to be an empathetic listener. The journey may take some time and require consistent practices.