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Listening Skills Test

20 Questions
3 Minutes

Are you a good listener?

Listening is hearing with focus and attention. A good listener is patient and respectful. They have empathy and curiosity, and they absorb what is being said. They maintain good emotional intelligence, keep an open mind, and avoid making judgments. See where you fall on this scale.

Using the key below, answer the questions based on how strongly you agree or disagree with the statement.

Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Neutral
Agree
Strongly Agree
1. When I am in a conversation, I get distracted by my own thoughts.
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
2. In conversation, I shut off my phone to listen carefully.
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
3. I refrain from making judgments.
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
4. I avoid interrupting the speaker.
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
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5. Withholding my advice helps me listen better.
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
6. I think about my response while a person is talking.
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
7. I jump in with my own thoughts if a conversation partner is struggling to explain his point.
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
8. I ask questions to understand the information being relayed better.
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
9. I am actively listening when a person speaks.
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
10. It helps me to paraphrase what is being said to me.
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
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11. I avoid finishing other people’s sentences.
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
12. I pay attention to the speaker's body language.
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
13. I avoid shooting down ideas.
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
14. I wait for the person to finish speaking before making up my mind.
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
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15. I am curious when I listen.
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
16. I recall important details from conversations.
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
17. I avoid rushing a conversation.
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
18. I want to understand the perspective of others.
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
19. I sometimes have a dismissive response ready when in conversation.
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree
20. I encourage more dialogue if I can’t understand what the speaker is saying.
Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree

Who Is This Test For?

This test is for anyone who wants to improve their listening skills. This test is designed for adults and is not intended to be diagnostic.

We value your privacy - see how we protect the info you provide when you take this test.

How to Get Help

If you need help improving listening skills and relating to people, speaking to a mental health professional can help. You can easily find a therapist in your area on the Psychology Today Therapy Directory.

Sources

Listening Styles Profile-Revised. G.D. Bodie, et al. Communication Research Reports
Measurement of Interpersonal Attraction. McCroskey, et al.
Emotional and social intelligence competencies. D. Goleman, R. Boyatzis