Levels of Listening

Introduction

• The distinction between hearing and listening.
• The four levels of listening:
  • Appreciative Listening
  • Empathic Listening
  • Comprehensive Listening
  • Critical Listening

Appreciative Listening

• Definition: Listening for enjoyment or entertainment.
  • Common in music or movies.
• Characteristics:
  • Not focusing on the message, but melody and rhythm.
  • Example: Knowing lyrics to songs like "Hotel California" without understanding the meaning.
• Observation:
  • Appreciation is often not about interest or engagement with content.

Empathic Listening

• Definition: Listening to provide emotional support.
  • Examples: Listening to a friend’s troubles or a psychiatrist with a patient.
• Difference between Empathy and Sympathy:
  • Empathy: Putting oneself in another's shoes without feeling their emotions.
  • Sympathy: Sharing and feeling the emotions of another person.

Comprehensive Listening

• Definition: Listening to understand and learn from content.
  • Common in educational settings with teachers or supervisors.
• Characteristics:
  • Not to be confused with the work of a psychiatrist; they listen empathically, not comprehensively.

Critical Listening

• Definition: Evaluative listening to accept or reject ideas.
  • Common in jurors evaluating a case.
• Skills Developed:
  • Summarizing Information
  • Recalling Facts
  • Distinguishing Main Points from Minor Points
  • Separating Fact from Opinion
  • Spotting Weaknesses in Logic and Reasoning
  • Judging Validity of Evidence
• Characteristics:
  • Involves using all listening levels.
  • Requires development of skills but can become enjoyable and automatic.

Conclusion

• Critical listening integrates all four levels and involves evaluating information presented.
• The skill can enhance comprehension and become somewhat recreational as you discern the presenter's intentions.