How well do you listen actively?
The Chinese symbol for listening consists of five separate symbols: ears, eyes, mind, heart, and undivided attention. Using that as a basis, how well do you listen?
11
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39 comments (26 - 39)
Feel free to reply to any comment by clicking the "Reply" button.I try to be as attentive as i can, but if the conversation is pointless, or i feel uneasy about the location (situational awareness is writ deep in my bones) you aren't going to have my full attention. To get my full attention, the subject must require it.
DobbinPitch
Level 6
Feb 28, 2018
1
@DobbinPitch Good answer!
Much, much better than I used to. Though when I get excited about a topic, I need to be conscious of not over talking someone else !
evergreen
Level 8
Feb 28, 2018
1
@EllenDale It's a tough habit to break. I've found a good way to practice not doing it, is have people hold some item while they're talking. No one else can speak while they're holding onto that item. When they're finished with their thought, they pass it to the next one who has something to say . Works pretty well !
It depends on the conversation and if I am allowed to participate. I fall asleep easily at programs especially when it is something which I am not especially interested.
JackPedigo
Level 9
Feb 28, 2018
1
@JackPedigo I never felt guilty about sleeping through boring presentations, but I'm hard-pressed when It was something about which I had to report back to my division. I had to learn to listen to keep my job!
Yes, I am a good listener because a lot of people like to hear themselves talk. Usually, when I am in a group conversation, I listen a lot more than I talk. I pay attention and internalize if it is something I am interested in, otherwise can space out pretty easily.
MikeEC
Level 7
Feb 28, 2018
1
@PappyOnWings Welcome to the USA! It sounds as if you have it down pretty good, even when you're not listening!
and 
for you.With the Chinese "definition" shown here, horribly. I doubt I EVER listen with that level of completeness. As others have said in response to this post; it depends on the audience and the topic and my perception of the importance thereof. =] I'm basically lazy.
IAMGROOT
Level 7
Feb 28, 2018
1
Pretty good I ,was a person centred counsellor/lecturer listening -skills-r-us.But I became proficient at face reading as a very small child with mentally unwell parents - so no brainer really.
jacpod
Level 8
Feb 28, 2018
1
This is a weakness for me. I used to stop listening at the end of the first coherent thought, even if the speaker didn't stop. With great effort and years of practice I have reached the point where I can say "Stop. Lets talk about what you just said." Apparently that pisses some people off?
Dick_Martin
Level 7
Feb 28, 2018
1
@Dick_Martin The faster the brain races, the more difficult it is to stop on a dime! Good on you, though, for being an active listener through participation.
@EllenDale lol... Nice way of telling me I am a crusty old curmudgeon. I take it as a compliment.
It depends what it is I'm listening too.
LeighShelton
Level 8
Feb 28, 2018
1
@LeighShelton and who, sometimes. I had a psyche prof who spoke in a monotone. Here's a hint: don't tell someone his lectures put you to sleep. It says more about him than you. My bad!
yes, I've been there lol. I went to a lecture at the famous London zoo years ago @EllenDale or stalky as I now like to call you lol. we went behind the scenes in the public aquaria and then had this lecture with slides. it was dark with just this bloke droning on and I was snoring
I listen to all I don't always take it on board or hear it as I'm not like others but I listen, watch and see like few others.
Wynter75
Level 5
Feb 28, 2018
1
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