Four Primary Types

ƥ Informational

ƥ Critical

ƥ Appreciative

ƥ Empathic
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Informational Listening

ƥ Goal is to accurately receive information

from another person
ƥ Does not involve criticizing or judging,
only learning
ƥ Sample scenarios include following
directions, exchanging ideas, or learning
about someone through personal stories

Tips for Informational Listening

ƥ Focus on key points

ƥ Take notes

ƥ Link common ideas together

ƥ Repeat information silently or aloud

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Critical Listening
ƥ Goal is to consider ideas heard from a
speaker to decide if they make sense
ƥ Helps with making decisions based on
logic and evidence, rather than on
emotion
ƥ Sample scenarios include listening to a
political debate, a talk radio program, or a
restaurant critique

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Tips for Critical Listening
ƥ Look for evidence to support ideas

ƥ Consider the source of the evidence

ƥ Check for logical reasoning

ƥ Make a special effort to understand what

the speaker is saying
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Appreciative Listening

ƥ Goal is to listen for enjoyment or

entertainment
ƥ Does not involve analyzing or evaluating
information
ƥ Sample scenarios include attending a rock
concert, listening to music at home, or
going to a Broadway show

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Tips for Appreciative Listening

ƥ Make an effort to block out background

noise

ƥ Avoid engaging in conversation

ƥ Turn off electronic devices (cell phones,

PDAs, watch alarms, etc.)

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Empathic Listening
ƥ Goal is to understand what the speaker is
saying and feeling
ƥ Involves making an effort to look at the
world through someone elseƞs view
ƥ Sample scenarios include listening to an
irate client, helping a friend with an
emotional situation, or listening to
someone who received bad news

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Tips for Empathic Listening

ƥ Paraphrase what the other person says to

seek understanding

ƥ Focus on the speakerƞs emotions

ƥ Avoid judging or criticizing; let the person

Ơventơ if needed