Listening

In school, Pete struggles to understand the teachers, even though he is paying close attention. If he has a question, he asks questions and makes clarifying statements. This behavior helps him understand and do better in school.

• active listening

• passive listening

• impatient listening

In class, Jake just stares out the window, and does not participate during class or acknowledge any of his classmates.

• active listening

• passive listening

• impatient listening

Sam’s Algebra class is reviewing for an upcoming test. Sam knows he needs to get a good grade, but his focus on the review keeps getting interrupted by his cell phone vibrating in his pocket.

• active listenting

• passive listening

• impatient listening

Don’s mother is talking to him about his grades and how he should improve them while he is focused on watching TV. Occasionally, he says, “Mmm-hmm. Yeah. Sure.” But he doesn’t give any other indication that he is paying attention.

• active listening

• passive listening

• impatient listening

Tom’s boss just gave him instructions for completing his job. Tom is a little confused about the order in which the job should be performed, so he paraphrases what he thinks he understands so that his boss can confirm and/or clarify.

• active listening

• passive listening

• impatient listening

The principal is talking to Sean about his classroom behavior. Sean doesn’t make eye contact and doesn’t verbally respond. He just sits there sighing and rolling his eyes.

• active listening

• passive listening

• impatient listening

Listener participates fully in the communication, provides feedback, and tries to understand and remember

• active listening

• passive listening

• impatient listening

Listener does not actively participate, sees listening as a one-way process, or gives negative nonverbal feedback

• active listening

• passive listening

• impatient listening

Listener encounters short bursts of active listening followed by distractions

• active listening

• passive listening

• impatient listening

Listening to understand ideas to achieve a goal; to analyze or evaluate a message for a future action

• Critical/Deliberative Listening

• Empathic Listening

• Appreciative Listening