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Tests of listening comprehension show that without training the average
person listens with about 25 percent efficiency. The average rate of
speaking is around 125 words per minute. Evidence exists that if thought
were measured in words per minute, a person could easily think at about

four times the typical rate of speaking. Thus, while you are listening, you
have about 75 percent of your time free. You can use this extra time not
only to improve your understanding of what is being said, but to think up
answers, make decisions, and plan future actions. At times, you might
deliberately ask questions to stall for time to think, and that silence is often
interpreted by the other person as demonstrating that you are a “thinking”

person.

Certain techniques can be acquired that facilitate improved listening and
that can improve this statistic in just about any individual. However, it
should be understood that not all listening is equally effective in good

communication. Four basic types of listening exist: 155

 Inactive Listening. This is the kind of listening you want to avoid. It
is inefficient and unproductive. It is when you only hear the words,
and they go in one ear and out the other.
 Selective Listening. This kind of listening is probably the most

common. It is when you hear only what you want to hear. You filter
the message. Like Inactive Listening, it is also inefficient and
unproductive.
 Active Listening. This is when you make a conscious effort to not
only hear the words but also listen for the complete message the

speaker is sending. It takes into consideration the intent and the
nonverbal communication of the speaker. Active Listening also uses
empathy and is nonjudgmental.
 Reflective Listening. Like Active Listening, Reflective Listening
listens to the whole message. However, it also attempts to provide
feedback to the speaker. This is particularly important if you are

dealing with a complicated issue or resolving a conflict. Reflective
Listening is used to clarify what is being said and convey mutual
understanding.

155
Dugger, Jim, Listen Up: Hear What’s Really Being Said, Shawnee Mission, KS: National Press Publications,
1991, p. 4.
David Kolzow 132