Two Ways of Listening: Responding vs Understanding

When it comes to having a good conversation, the ability to listen effectively is essential. Although listening may seem like a simple task, there are actually two distinct ways to do it: listening to respond and listening to understand.

In this LinkedIn article, we’ll explore the difference between the two, and discuss how to improve listening skills in order to have successful conversations.

Listening To Resolve And Solve 

Listening to respond to solve is when you actively listen to understand the problem that is being presented and to find a solution. You are trying to provide a resolution by listening to understand the issue and then responding with a solution.

This type of listening is important because it allows people to work together and come up with solutions that work for everyone. 

This type of listening is particularly important in English conversations because it allows people to understand the problem at hand and take steps toward resolving it.

It is also important to note that listening to respond to solve doesn’t mean simply providing an answer; it also involves engaging in conversation and asking questions so that both parties can gain a better understanding of the situation. 

When listening to respond to solve, it’s important to pay attention to both the words being spoken and the underlying emotions that may be present. By paying attention to both, you can gain a deeper understanding of the problem and come up with a solution that is best for everyone involved.

By taking the time to listen and understand, you can create meaningful connections and foster positive relationships with the people around you.

Listening to Understand For Empathy

Listening to understand for empathy requires active listening. Active listening requires paying close attention to the words, as well as body language and tone of voice.

This can be done by reflecting back what has been said and asking questions to gain clarity. You must pay attention to the person’s feelings and ideas, not just the words they use. This helps to build an understanding of the underlying issues at hand.

By being a listener who understands rather than one who responds, you can create a deeper bond with the speaker. Showing empathy makes the speaker feel heard and understood and will likely lead to better solutions.

It is also important to remember that you do not need to agree with everything that is said in order to listen with understanding.

When you take the time to truly listen and understand someone, you are creating a connection that goes beyond the words being said. Through this, relationships can be built and maintained, as well as problems solved more effectively.

10 Ways You Can Improve Your Listening For Understanding Today 

1. Make sure to pay attention to body language and facial expressions. 
2. Let the speaker finish their sentence before you respond.
3. Ask questions to show that you are listening.
4. Make sure to listen without judgment.
5. Try to look at the problem from their perspective and put yourself in their shoes.
6. Take notes to ensure that you don't forget what they have said.
7. Pause after the person has finished speaking and reflect on what has been said.
8. Summarize the conversation periodically to make sure that you are both on the same page.
9. Provide positive reinforcement when appropriate.
10. Learn to read between the lines and be mindful of what isn't being said as well.

How Learn Laugh Speak Is Changing How Adults Learn English 

Learn Laugh Speak is transforming how adults learn English with our cutting-edge digital platform. We have focused on adult learners who struggle to make time to attend traditional classes due to their busy lives. Our student application is accessible from any device, allowing them to learn English whenever and wherever they want. 

Students can take advantage of over 33,000 lessons covering reading, writing, speaking and listening. Our interactive lessons are designed for every level, offering instant feedback and corrections as students progress. We also offer 12 levels of learning so you can find the one that is perfect for you. 

With Learn Laugh Speak, you are in control. You can choose when and where to learn and how many hours a day. This allows you to fit English learning into your schedule at a pace that suits you. 

We believe that everyone should be able to learn English on their own terms and get the same results as those attending traditional classes.

That's why we created Learn Laugh Speak - to give adults the opportunity to learn English in a way that fits with their lifestyle.

Reach out to me directly if you or your team need help with their English progress! Both our student and manager application can be super useful for busy adults who want to learn English. Bryce@learnlaughspeak.com