¶ … listener? Do you think you are a good listener?

Yes, I am a good listener. I think I am a good listener because I truly make an effort to listen to what a speaker is saying, rather than think about what else I have to do during the day or what my response will be. I try to focus on the person I am talking to, what their needs are, and their body language. I try to be empathetic and see the world from the speaker's perspective, even though I may disagree with it. If I am uncertain of what the speaker's meaning might be, I do not simply nod my head and let him or her chatter on. I stop, ask a question, and then paraphrase what the speaker is saying to make sure that I understand and that I am not projecting my own meaning onto his or her words.

In a classroom setting, I am also a good listener. I pay attention and come to class prepared to listen with a clear head and an open mind. I take notes so I can recall what is said over the course of the lecture. I try to engage myself in the discussion by asking questions aloud. I also write notes to myself for further clarification.

I think I am an effective listener because I usually retain what is said in personal dialogue and in lectures. The only factors which sometimes impede my ability...

Then sometimes, I can forget my effective listening behaviors. I can also be impatient (especially with certain family members) and then I do find myself occasionally interrupting them, if I feel that I know what they are going to say. In those instances, I am letting my emotions get the best of me, which is something I never do when I am truly deploying effective listening strategies.
Part Two: Attached listening quiz

I am pleased to report that I scored a 14 on the listening test. I was not surprised by the score, given that as I took the test it was obvious to me that the test was a list of effective listening behaviors, behaviors which I try to replicate in my daily life. I think that for the most part the test is a good test of listening. My only questions about the validity of the test arose in response to the questions: "I listen even if the other person is not interesting" and "I listen even if the speaker is a moron." These seem like very strong judgmental responses which indicate that the listener is not actually paying attention to the speaker.

Of course, I have been bored by what someone is saying and of course at times I think that a speaker is not particularly intelligent if he is…