Listening Self-Assessment Checklist

To assess your listening power, read each of the 30 statements below, and put either a “T” for True or an “F” for False in the boxes that precede them. Then to see if you are a good listener, turn to the comments on the next page.

□ 1. When I plan my work schedule, I allow some free time for impromptu conversations.

□ 2. When people speak to me, I often feel that they are wasting my time.

□ 3. I tend to jump into conversations, interrupting others as I do so.

□ 4. I tend to doodle or to toy with some object when others are talking.

□ 5. I have trouble listening when there is noise or a distracting activity nearby.

□ 6. I have learned how to pretend to listen.

□ 7. I use eye contact, face speakers, smile, and nod to encourage others to speak freely.

□ 8. I often lose the thread of discussion and have to fake it until I catch on again.

□ 9. I ask questions to make sure I interpret a speaker'fs message correctly.

□ 10. I find it efficient to perform routine tasks while I also listen for the important points.

□ 11. I am a direct person; if someone says something I dislike, I speak up immediately.

□ 12. I usually listen more for a speaker'fs ideas, not facts and details.

□ 13. I mentally outline what a speaker says.

□ 14. I take notes to record the facts and details a speaker offers.

□ 15. I always try to take as detailed notes as possible.

□ 16. I keep my emotions under control when emotional trigger words are brought up.

□ 17. I like people to be happy. If they seem upset or sad, I will try to joke them out of it.

□ 18. When I am too busy to talk with people, I make an appointment to meet or phone them later.

□ 19. During a meeting I avoid sitting where I am likely to be distracted.

□ 20. I believe you should not judge people by appearances alone.

□ 21. I encourage my staff to tell me about problems that they have with work.

□ 22. I am confident that my staff feels free to ask me questions after I speak.

□ 23. I notice the body language and tones of voice underlying people'fs words.

□ 24. I avoid listening to complex, difficult material.

□ 25. I have noticed that many women have trouble expressing themselves clearly.

□ 26. When I set up a meeting, I like the room to be chilly; it keeps people awake.

□ 27. I frequently anticipate what the speaker will say next.

□ 28. I know how easy it is to daydream at meetings, so I force myself to concentrate.

□ 29. I cannot follow what a person is saying if he or she has distracting mannerisms.

□ 30. I try to sit fairly close to a speaker, whether one-toone or in a large group.