In order to uncover what your student, or client, is really all about you must become an active listener. The first step in this process is to discover where you are now. Thus, give yourself the following test to determine what may be lacking for you:<\/p>\n
![\"listening-learning\"](\"http:\/\/selfimprovement.info-just-for-u.com\/blogger\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/06\/LISTENING-AS-A-SKILL-300x220.jpg\")
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<\/h2>\nMeasuring Your Listening Skills<\/h2>\n
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Have someone that knows you well use the following questions to take stock of your listening skills<\/strong>. Ask him or her to explain any \u201cNo\u201d answers. Do not interrupt, or defend yourself during this process.<\/p>\n 1. Do I normally look at the speaker while he or she is speaking?<\/p>\n “I hear you. I am listening.”<\/p>\n 2. Do I wait for the speaker to finish speaking prior to responding?<\/p>\n 3. Do I make understanding my goal?<\/p>\n 4. Am I usually sensitive to the speaker\u2019s immediate need?<\/p>\n 5. Do I make it a practice to check my emotions<\/span><\/span><\/span>?<\/p>\n 6. Do I regularly suspend my judgement until I get the entire story?<\/p>\n 7. Am I in the habit of summing up what the speaker says at major intervals?<\/p>\n 8. Do I ask questions for clarity when necessary?<\/p>\n 9. Do I\u00a0communicate to others that listening<\/em> is a priority?<\/p>\n Jan Ashby<\/p>\n <\/p>\n