Have someone who knows you well use the following questions to evaluate your listening skills. Ask them to explain any no answers and don’t interrupt or defend yourself as you receive the explanation.
- Do I usually look at the speaker while he or she is talking?
- Do I wait for the speaker to finish talking before I respond?
- Do I make understanding my goal?
- Am I usually sensitive to the speaker’s immediate need?
- Do I make it a practice to check my emotions?
- Do I regularly suspend my judgment until I get the whole story?
- Am I in the practice of summing up what the speaker says at the major intervals?
- Do I ask questions for clarity when needed?
- Do I communicate to others that listening is a priority?
