LISTENING IN INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION
Problem-Causing Listening Styles
"The eye avoider"
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The eye avoider looks all around the room and at others but never at you. Look at how Michael talks to Pam. He’s looking everywhere except at her. It’s most likely because he wants to hide the fact that he’s pranking her. When in a serious conversation, it helps to look at who you’re talking to so you can show your interest in the conversation.
"The Static Listener"
Episode: The Deposition
The static listener gives no feedback at all and reveals no emotion. Michael, to his reluctance, shares a table with Toby at lunch. Toby excitedly initiates a conversation loaded with explicit, personal details, much to Michael’s chagrin. Michael is obviously placed in an uncomfortable situation so he retaliates by doing nothing. The best thing to do is to give feedback and show that you are present in the conversation.
"The Waiting Listener"
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Episode: Safety Training
"thought-completing listener"
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Episode: The Injury
The thought-completing listener listens a little and then finishes your thought. Michael invites Billy Merchant to the office to talk about disability awareness. Michael wants to show Billy that he sympathizes with him but he takes it to the extreme. He doesn’t give Billy a chance to speak. This is probably one of the rudest things you can do in a conversation. Always give time for others to speak and do not interrupt them when they’re talking.
The waiting listener listens for a cue to take over the speaking turn. Toby is speaking at a health and safety meeting. At the same time, Michael is waiting for a moment to jump in and take over the conversation. It’s good to be patient and know when it’s your turn to contribute to the conversation. But don’t listen just because you want to stop the speaker from talking and take over!
Episode: China
"The Critical Listener"
Episode: Welcome Party
"The Never-Ending Listener"
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The critical listener evaluates everything you say, usually in a negative way. Pam wants to speak to Dwight about serious office matters. However, Dwight does not want to listen at all and instead, starts criticizing everything Pam says. Try to avoid sounding negative especially when someone is trying be constructive and has something important to say to you.
The never-ending listener just wants you to keep talking, often long after what you’ve said what you want to say. The people at the office are surprised by Nellie’s nonstop monologue, and they keep on listener to her ramble on. Except for Robert, who is an example of an advising listener. He interrupts Nellie to give her advice on all her rants and problems. Know when to listen and when to talk. And when you do talk, you don’t always have to give advice unless asked. It’s always good to be present in the conversation and show that you care. That’s active listening.
Episode: The Pilot