Are You a Good Listener?

"Know this, my beloved brothers: Let every person be quick to hear..." (James 1:19

See how you do!  Use these questions to evaluate some areas where you can grow in listening.






When others are talking to me . . .

1. I find myself finishing their sentences.
__ rarely __ occasionally __ often __ usually

2. I give my opinions before hearing them out.
__ rarely __ occasionally __ often __ usually

3. I get restless and impatient.
__ rarely __ occasionally __ often __ usually

4. I don’t  maintain eye contact and my eyes wander or I lose track of what is being said.
__ rarely __ occasionally __ often __ usually

5. I fidget with objects.
__ rarely __ occasionally __ often __ usually

6. I mentally rehearse or worry about what I am going to say next instead of listening.
__ rarely __ occasionally __ often __ usually

7. I take control of the conversation.
__ rarely __ occasionally __ often __ usually

8. I interrupt with frequent comments or questions.
__ rarely __ occasionally __ often __ usually

9. I try to quickly diagnose and fix their problems.
__ rarely __ occasionally __ often __ usually

10.I worry about how to respond instead of listening.
__ rarely __ occasionally __ often __ usually

11. I often misinterpret what has been said.
__ rarely __ occasionally __ often __ usually

12. I answer before gaining real understanding.
__ rarely __ occasionally __ often __ usually

You should want to answer "rarely" to all of these.

Questions courtesy of here.