Introduction
The influence of listening cannot be overstated; it holds the importance of evocative connections, efficient communication, and flourishing interactions in both personal and professional scopes. Just as every person owns a unique voice, so do we have diverse listening styles that mold how we engage and respond to information. Enhanced listening skills profit people both personally and socially. Listening skills allow people to communicate with their environment (Kriz et al., 2021). In this essay, I will explore a journey of self-discovery as I study four different listening styles. Deep Listening, Full Listening, Critical Listening, and Therapeutic Listening. By looking into my experiences, I will observe the changing effect of listening and discover examples of my listening style being efficient or ineffective. As I navigate these reflections, I discover the capacity to change my listening style to wield it as an influential tool for change and growth.
Critical Listening
Critical listening calls for an analytical approach in which the listener assesses and measures the presented information. This style is valuable during debates, negotiations, or decision-making processes (Kluger et al., 2023). Once, in a team thinking session, a colleague offered a groundbreaking yet unapproved idea for a marketing campaign. While appreciating their creativity, I chose Critical Listening to guarantee a comprehensive assessment. I raised relevant questions about the possible risks and target audience reception. By usefully challenging assumptions and asking for further data, I heartened a profound exploration of the idea. This sanctioned my colleague to improve their proposal, leading to a more vigorous and feasible campaign approach.
Therapeutic Listening
Therapeutic listening gives people a supportive and sympathetic space to express their thoughts and emotions without judgment. In an individual setting, close friends disclosed their anxiety battles (Petursdottir & Svavarsdottir, 2019). Instead of providing instant advice, I incorporated Therapeutic Listening. I allowed them to share at their pace while giving comforting nods and cheering responses. My non-judgmental approach permitted them to feel listened to and comprehended, contributing to a robust bond of trust between us. While I could not ease their anxiety entirely, Therapeutic Listening assisted as a source of relief and solace, reminding me of the influential effect listening can have in nurturing emotional connections.
Informative / Deep Listening
Informative or deep listening is a solid dedication to understanding the speaker’s viewpoint. This style fosters active engagement, where the listener pursues to hold both the words spoken and the emotions, intentions, and intended messages (Kline, 1996). During a team meeting, I experienced a colleague expressing dissatisfaction over a delayed project. My instinct was to jump in with possible solutions, but I chose Deep Listening instead. I concentrated on their words, body language, and tone, permitting them to communicate their anxieties without interruption. As a result, I could distinguish the cause of their frustration – lack of support from upper management. By showing empathy and seeking to comprehend their perspective, I nurtured a sense of trust and friendship, eventually leading to a cooperative brainstorming session.
Full Listening
Full listening comprises enthusiastically devoting attention to the speaker’s message. This style needs concentration, with the listener captivating information without distractions or fixed judgments. During a college lecture, I experienced a stimulating discussion on global sustainability. Despite my interest in the matter, my mind regularly strolled as I grappled with upholding complete focus (Kline, 1996). However, I rapidly realized that active engagement was vital to hold the lecturer’s essential understanding fully. Subsequently, I used numerous approaches, such as taking detailed notes and asking descriptive questions. By enthusiastically embracing Full Listening, I became profoundly captivated by the lecture, resulting in a complete understanding of the subject matter and an enriched learning experience.
Conclusion
The four listening styles, Deep Listening, Full Listening, Critical Listening, and Therapeutic Listening, each own diverse characteristics that impact the quality of communication and interpersonal relationships. Throughout my experiences, I have come to value the importance of selecting a suitable listening style for various contexts. By being aware of our listening preferences and open to adjusting them, when needed, we can enrich our interactions, nurture understanding, and form more meaningful connections with those around us. Indeed, the art of listening is a transformative skill that holds the possibility to mold our lives profoundly.
References
Kluger, A. N., & Mizrahi, M. (2023). (Defining Listening: Can We Get Rid of the Adjectives? Current Opinion in Psychology, 101639.
Kriz, T. D., Kluger, A. N., & Lyddy, C. J. (2021). Feeling heard: Experiences of listening (or not) at work. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 659087.
Petursdottir, A. B., & Svavarsdottir, E. K. (2019). The effectiveness of a strengths‐oriented therapeutic conversation intervention on perceived support, well‐being, and burden among family caregivers in palliative home care. Journal of advanced nursing, 75(11), 3018-3031.
Kline, J. A. (1996). Types of Listening. In Listening Effectively (pp. 29–44). Air University Press. http://www.jstor.org/stable/resrep13885.11
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