Listening Test - Are You a Good Listener?

Are you a good listener? Let's find out.

On a scale of 25-100 (100 = highest), how do you rate yourself as a listener? _____

Let’s find out how accurate your perception is. Rate yourself in the following situations and total your score.

4 = Usually, 3 = Frequently, 2 = Sometimes, 1 = Seldom

____ I try to listen carefully even when I’m not interested in the topic.

____ I’m open to viewpoints that are different from my own.

____ I make eye contact with the speaker when I’m listening.

____ I try to avoid being defensive when a speaker is venting negative emotions.

____ I try to recognize the emotion under the speaker’s words.

____ I anticipate how the other person will react when I speak.

____ I take notes when it’s necessary to remember what I’ve heard.

____ I listen without judgment or criticism.

____ I stay focused even when I hear things I don’t agree with or don’t want to hear.

____ I don’t allow distractions when I’m intent on listening.

____ I don’t avoid difficult situations.

____ I can ignore a speaker’s mannerisms and appearance.

____ I avoid leaping to conclusions when listening.

____ I learn something, however small, from every person I meet.

____ I try not to form my next response while listening.

____ I listen for main ideas, not just details.

____ I know my own hot buttons.

____ I think about what I’m trying to communicate when I speak.

____ I try to communicate at the best possible time for success.

____ I don’t assume a certain level of understanding in my listeners when speaking.

____ I usually get my message across when I communicate.

____ I consider which form of communication is best: email, phone, in-person, etc.

____ I tend to listen for more than just what I want to hear.

____ I can resist daydreaming when I’m not interested in a speaker.

____ I can easily paraphrase in my own words what I’ve just heard.

____ Total

Scoring

75-100 = You’re an excellent listener and communicator. Keep it up.
50-74 = You’re trying to be a good listener, but it’s time to brush up.
25-49 = Listening isn’t one of your strong points. Start paying attention.

Learn how to be a better listener: Active Listening.

Joe Grimm's Listen and Lead project is a fabulous collection of listening tools. If your listening could be improved, get help from Joe. He's a professional listener.