Listener Preference Profile

Begin the LPP

We have been developing our listening habits since we were infants. As a result, most of us find it easier to listen to some people and some kinds of information more than others. Some people appear to prefer to listen to personal examples and illustrations. Individuals also differ in their preference of communication channels (telephone or face-to-face), message formats, structures, locations, and events. Rather than adapting listening styles to different audiences and settings, most listeners habitually rely on a comfortable pattern of listening behavior. These differences in the ways that listeners choose to listen are called "listener preferences." Unknowingly, we make judgments and decisions based on our habits that may affect our communication effectiveness.

You will soon be presented a list of 20 questions, which you should read and answer carefully. After you submit your answers, they will be automatically analyzed, and you will be presented with detailed results. On the results page you will also find links to read additional information regarding the Listener Preference Profile Instrument.

Please begin the Listener Preference Profile below.

Listener Preference Profile

Your Name:

1. I focus my attention on the other person's feelings when listening to him or her.
Never
Infrequently
Sometimes
Frequently
Always

2. When listening to others, I quickly notice if they are pleased or disappointed.
Never
Infrequently
Sometimes
Frequently
Always

3. I become involved when listening to the problems of others.
Never
Infrequently
Sometimes
Frequently
Always

4. I try to find common areas of interest when listening to new acquaintances.
Never
Infrequently
Sometimes
Frequently
Always

5. I nod my head and/or use eye contact to show interest in what others are saying.
Never
Infrequently
Sometimes
Frequently
Always

6. I am frustrated when others don't present their ideas in an orderly, efficient way.
Never
Infrequently
Sometimes
Frequently
Always

7. When listening to others, I focus on any inconsistencies and/or errors in what's being said.
Never
Infrequently
Sometimes
Frequently
Always

8. I jump ahead and/or finish thoughts of speakers.
Never
Infrequently
Sometimes
Frequently
Always

9. I am impatient with people who ramble on during conversations.
Never
Infrequently
Sometimes
Frequently
Always

10. I ask questions to help speakers get to the point more quickly.
Never
Infrequently
Sometimes
Frequently
Always

11. I wait until all the facts are presented before forming judgments and opinions.
Never
Infrequently
Sometimes
Frequently
Always

12. I prefer to listen to technical information.
Never
Infrequently
Sometimes
Frequently
Always

13. I prefer to hear facts and evidence, so I can personally evaluate them.
Never
Infrequently
Sometimes
Frequently
Always

14. I like the challenge of listening to complex information.
Never
Infrequently
Sometimes
Frequently
Always

15. I ask questions to probe for additional information.
Never
Infrequently
Sometimes
Frequently
Always

16. When hurried, I let others know that I have a limited amount of time to listen.
Never
Infrequently
Sometimes
Frequently
Always

17. I begin a discussion by telling others how long I have to meet.
Never
Infrequently
Sometimes
Frequently
Always

18. I interrupt others when I feel time pressure.
Never
Infrequently
Sometimes
Frequently
Always

19. I look at my watch or clocks in the room when I have limited time to listen to others.
Never
Infrequently
Sometimes
Frequently
Always

20. When I feel time pressure, my ability to concentrate on what others are saying suffers.
Never
Infrequently
Sometimes
Frequently
Always

P Score:

A Score:

C Score:

T Score: