TYPES OF LISTENING
Listening can be varied depending upon:
Purpose
Interaction
Feedback
It can be classified into the following three distinct types:
(1) Content listening
The purpose of content listening is to retain the information for future use or for further transmission rather faithfully. Here, we try to identify the key points and concentrate on the structure of the message. Receivers take a preview – an overall view of the entire message. It is not important whether they agree or not with the contents. They try to assimilate the contents of the message as received. For example, a department of the government giving the details of the procedure would expect the public to follow in dealing with them!
(2) Critical listening
The message received undergoes an evaluation at several levels to understand:
Logic of argument
Strength of evidence
Validity of conclusions
Implications of the message for individuals
Implications of the message for the organization
Speakers‟ intention and motive
The omission of any relevant point etc
Evaluating and absorbing information simultaneously is rather difficult. Listeners‟ should reserve their judgment right up to the end. Effort should be made to uncover speakers‟ viewpoint.
(3) Active / empathetic listening
The purpose here is to understand the speakers‟ feelings, needs and wants. Listeners have to understand speakers‟ viewpoint irrespective of whether they share those perceptions or not. By listening actively, receivers‟ let speakers vent their emotions. Listeners should resist the temptation of advising them and they should let the persons do the talking with cues and clues of encouragement.
Typical features of active and empathetic listening are:
Make eye contact
Exhibit affirmative head nods and appropriate facial expressions
Avoid distracting actions and gestures
Ask questions
Paraphrasing what is said
Avoid interrupting the speaker
Do not over-talk
Make a smooth transition from the role of a speaker to that of a listener
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