Lastly, empathetic listeners are the best, most effective listeners. They stay on topic and use body language that shows they are receptive to the speaker’s words, whether they agree with them. They ask questions and offer input and insight. An active listener is an effective listener because they not only thoroughly listen to what’s being communicated, they engage with that message, too. Active listeningĪn active listener is just that: an active participant in the conversation and message. They may struggle to see the underlying meaning of an individual’s words or to pick up on the emotions and minute details in expression that differentiate a compliment from an insult, for example. However, just because an attentive listener is able to repeat back to you what you just said, that doesn’t mean they truly understood it.Īn attentive listener focuses primarily on the words being spoken and takes them at face value. Attentive listeners are getting it all and remembering it. Attentive listeningĪn attentive listener attentively holds on to a speaker’s every word. When a listener is so ingrained in their beliefs that they are unable to hear any messages that counter them, their social and emotional progress in life can become severely stunted. While this type of listening can be born of a place of trauma or a need for safety (i.e., my beliefs are safe and comfortable, so I’ll let my brain filter out any potential threats), it can also severely limit one’s growth - in relationships, in the workplace, and in one’s personal life. This means even when a speaker conveys a message that contradicts these biases, the selective listener manages to twist and turn that message to fit their subconscious needs. They lean into their own beliefs, thoughts, and feelings, to the point they no longer hear viewpoints that are misaligned with their own confirmation biases. Selective listeners seem to filter what they hear through their own worldview, so that they only hear what they want or expect to hear. If you’re not a selective listener, you probably know one. Passive listening prevents listeners and speakers from truly connecting with one another and makes for one-sided communication. However, just because we were taught this type of listening early and it’s incredibly common in many settings, that doesn’t mean it’s a healthy or useful form of communication. In our adult lives, we use passive listening often - during dull meetings, during conversations with people we don’t really like, or even in conversations with loved ones when we’re distracted or stressed. Many authority figures teach children to be seen and not heard and dismiss their input in conversations.

Passive listening is the most common form of listening, and it originates in childhood. They know to nod along and say the right words so anyone else in the room isn’t entirely aware of their actual lack of attention. They hear a speaker’s main points, but little information gets through otherwise. Passive listeningĪ passive listener is pretty much present in body only. There are five types of listening: passive, selective, attentive, active, and empathetic.īelow, we’re unpacking each type so you can evaluate your current status. Evaluate what type of listener you are (be honest!) and identify where you might have some room for improvement.

Here, we’re exploring the five primary types of listening. So, do you need to level up your listening skills? In developing listening skills, we’re also better able to hone our ability for deep focus, which is helpful in many other areas of our life beyond communication. However, it’s vitally important for leaders and team members alike to learn the different types of listening in communication, in order to truly understand the needs of those around us with whom we communicate You probably learned to write, read, and maybe even give a public speech at an early age - but how often did a teacher or, later, a professor, talk to you about the types of listening and listening skills, beyond just telling you to ‘be quiet and listen’?

Selective listening communication