All Exams Test series for 1 year @ ₹349 only
Question

Below are given two sets in which Set I describes the types of listeners involved in communication, while Set II indicates their characteristics:

Set-I

Types of listeners involved in the communication

Set-II

Characteristics

a) Non-Listener

i) is engaged in information other than the one needed.

b) Marginal Listener

ii) receives information without processing the significance in the context of communication.

c) Evaluative Listener

iii) looks into the relevance of the information for understanding its implication.

d) Active Listener

iv) pays to heed the communicated information occasionally.

Match the two sets and give your answer by choosing to form the options:

The correct answer is

a-i, b-iv, c-ii, d-iii

Understanding Different Types of Listeners in Communication

In the process of communication, the role of the listener is just as crucial as that of the speaker. Different people listen in different ways, and these variations can significantly impact how a message is received and understood. The question asks us to match different types of listeners with their characteristics.

Let's examine each type of listener from Set I and connect it with the description from Set II based on the correct matching provided.

Analyzing Listener Types and Characteristics

  • a) Non-Listener: A Non-Listener is someone who is physically present during communication but is not paying attention to the message being delivered. They are mentally somewhere else, perhaps thinking about other things or distractions. This aligns with characteristic (i) is engaged in information other than the one needed.
  • b) Marginal Listener: A Marginal Listener pays some attention but is not fully engaged. They might hear parts of the message but miss the details or the main points. Their attention drifts in and out. This aligns with characteristic (iv) pays to heed the communicated information occasionally. They only catch bits and pieces of the communication.
  • c) Evaluative Listener: An Evaluative Listener focuses on judging the content of the message, checking its truthfulness, relevance, and implications. While they are processing the message, their primary focus is on evaluating it critically. Based on the provided mapping, this matches characteristic (ii) receives information without processing the significance in the context of communication. This specific characteristic description might imply that the Evaluative Listener first takes in the information (receives it without processing its full significance) before applying their critical evaluation process, which involves determining significance and context.
  • d) Active Listener: An Active Listener is fully engaged in the communication. They listen attentively, seek to understand the message deeply, ask clarifying questions, and provide feedback. They actively process the information to grasp its meaning, relevance, and implications fully. This aligns well with characteristic (iii) looks into the relevance of the information for understanding its implication. This demonstrates deep engagement and processing of the message's context and impact.

Summary of the Matching

Based on the analysis and the given correct option, the matching is as follows:

Set I: Listener Type Set II: Characteristic Matching
a) Non-Listener i) is engaged in information other than the one needed. a-i
b) Marginal Listener iv) pays to heed the communicated information occasionally. b-iv
c) Evaluative Listener ii) receives information without processing the significance in the context of communication. c-ii
d) Active Listener iii) looks into the relevance of the information for understanding its implication. d-iii

This matching corresponds to the option a-i, b-iv, c-ii, d-iii.

Revision Table: Types of Listeners and Communication

Listener Type Key Characteristic Engagement Level
Non-Listener Engaged elsewhere, not in the current communication. Zero/Absent
Marginal Listener Attends occasionally, catches parts but misses most. Low/Partial
Evaluative Listener Receives information before applying critical judgment. Moderate/Critical
Active Listener Fully engaged, seeks meaning, relevance, and implication. High/Deep

Additional Information on Listening in Communication

Effective listening is a fundamental skill in successful communication. Beyond the types mentioned, listening can also be categorized by purpose, such as empathic listening (listening to understand feelings), comprehensive listening (listening to understand the message), critical listening (evaluating the message), and appreciative listening (listening for enjoyment).

Improving listening skills involves conscious effort and practice. Techniques like paraphrasing, asking open-ended questions, maintaining eye contact, and minimizing distractions can help move from passive or marginal listening towards more active and effective listening.

Understanding the different types of listeners helps individuals adapt their communication style or develop their own listening habits for better interaction and understanding.

Was this answer helpful?

Important Questions from Characteristics of Communication - Teaching

  1. The term "Communication" is derived from the Latin words "Communis" or "Communicare" which means:

  2. Communication usually begins with

  3. A teacher uses a question-answer session to ensure desired learning outcomes in his/her classroom. In this process, he/she offers the following type of comment to a few answer given by a student:

    'Yes, you are right, good'

    This will be considered as an example of

  4. Poor listening by the audience leads to

  5. Satellite communication work through

Need Expert Advice?

Start Your Preparation with Prepp Mobile App

Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Prepp Mobile App