Appreciative Listening: Definition, Basics and Examples

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Definition of Appreciative Listening

What is Appreciative Listening? The definition and meaning

Definition of Appreciative Listening: Do you know about one of the effective communication theories- appreciative listening? It is the way of listening in which the listener is grateful for the speaker’s time and attention while they are sharing the information with the listener. Here the listener enjoys what the speaker wants to say.

Appreciative Listening Meaning:

Hence Appreciative Listening is more about you like you are listening to a seminar on meditation which takes you to a night of good sleep. In some cases, it is about getting involved in a piece of music or a speech and praising the speaker.

When you practice appreciative listening, you show that you value and respect the other person. You’re not just hearing their words, but also trying to understand their emotions and needs. It’s about connecting with the emotions, memories, and experiences that come with listening. It’s a way to slow down, relax, and savor the moment.

Define Appreciative Listening:

Appreciative listening can be defined as a mindful and intentional way of listening that involves:

– Focusing on the sound or music

– Noticing the emotions and memories evoked

– Appreciating the beauty or meaning

– Enjoying the experience

Hence Appreciative Listening is more about you like you are listening to a seminar on meditation which takes you to a night of good sleep. In some cases, it is about getting involved in a piece of music or a speech and praising the speaker.

Importance of Appreciative Listening 

Let’s understand in detail about the Importance of Appreciative Listening: 

Appreciative Listening is crucial in various areas of life be it school, work, or relationships. It is the way you react to what other people say. Eventually, you get completely absorbed in listening. 

When you use this tool in the workplace, it creates wonders. Your relationship with seniors and colleagues improves. They feel you are willing to understand them without any criticism. Your close ones feel glad that you are caring about their well-being. It helps in building trust and gaining respect. You must know that people consider appreciative listeners as supportive people of the group. 

If you do it right, appreciative listening can work as a boon in your career. It is one of the important steps on the ladder to success.

Let us look at some of the critical listening examples that will give you an idea about appreciative listening.

Go back to the last conversation that you had with your colleague. Do you remember the whole conversation or part of it? Is it 50% or less? 

Now just put yourself in the shoes of your colleague. He listens to only 20% of the information you are sharing with him. Is it worth sharing the information?

Hence here the role of Appreciative Listening comes. It is important to listen but also make the speaker feel valued. 

So what if your colleague hears you patiently and gives you positive feedback once you share the whole information? 

Appreciative Listening Example

For example, let’s say a friend is telling you about their struggles at work. Instead of just offering advice, you listen carefully and say, “I can see why you’d feel that way. That sounds really tough.” This shows that you’re practicing appreciative listening.

Some other examples are:

  • Your boss listens to how you can increase sales and in turn praises you for your research. 
  • It also works in your personal life. Your friend is sharing some new ideas for starting a business and you show a positive response to him through your expressions and gestures. 
  • It is useful for resolving conflict between teams and making things smoother. During such a situation, one needs cooperation and appreciative listening is what shows great results. 

How can you use expressions in appreciative listening?

Here are some of the ways in which you can use it at your workplace.

  • I am glad you took the time to talk with me regarding an issue. 
  • Thank you for helping me in providing a solution to the problem.
  • Congratulation! You worked very hard in your presentation and it was engaging enough. I loved it. 
  • I appreciate your support in making this project work.
  • I am highly obliged when you listen to me without any prejudice. 
  • It feels great when people like you work in a constructive way.

Major Factors of Appreciative Listening

Appreciative listening is connected with the thoughts of the listener. 

It consists of three factors:  

  • presentation
  • Perception
  • Previous experience

Presentation

It refers to how the material is presented. It includes information shared through radio, television, music, and other auditory formats. The setting of the presentation is also part of it. For example, listening to a speech in a conference room is different from what you listen to on phone. Another way your listening impacts is the personality of the presenter, the size of the space, and the style of presenting. Hence, it depends upon what the listener enjoys. Some may like listening to music in a car and others may enjoy the concert. 

Perception

Another factor that impacts appreciative listening is perception. The opinion of listeners changes during the speech and even after the speech gets over. If the speaker’s delivery method is engaging, the listener will enjoy it but may stop showing interest if the tone of the speaker changes. Hence, a listener should listen to various forms of speech. Their attitude impacts what they listen to and how they hear it. 

Previous Experience

Previous experience means the listeners are exposed to past events which let them appreciate the current events. For example, the listener can enjoy the music of the same genre if he or she had a good experience of it in the past. However, it is equally important to enjoy new experiences. You can broaden your cultural aspects by appreciating new things. 

Benefits of Appreciative Listening

  • Reduces Stress and Anxiety: By focusing on the present moment and letting go of distractions, appreciative listening can calm the mind and reduce stress and anxiety.
  • Improves Mood and Emotional Well-being: Appreciative listening can boost mood and overall sense of well-being by allowing us to connect with positive emotions and memories.
  • Enhances Creativity and Inspiration: By fully engaging with sound and music, appreciative listening can spark creativity and inspire new ideas.
  • Fosters Deeper Connections with Others: When we truly listen to others, we build trust, understanding, and deeper relationships.
  • Increases Mindfulness and Presence: Appreciative listening encourages us to be fully present in the moment, letting go of distractions and increasing mindfulness.

How to Practice Appreciative Listening

1. Find a Quiet and Comfortable Space to Listen: Identify a peaceful spot where you can focus on the sound or music without distractions.

2. Focus on the Sound or Music Without Distractions: Give your full attention to the sound or music, letting go of thoughts, worries, or distractions.

3. Notice the Emotions and Memories That Arise: Allow yourself to feel and process any emotions or memories that come up while listening.

4. Allow Yourself to Fully Experience the Moment: Surrender to the present moment and let the sound or music wash over you.

5. Practice Regularly to Cultivate a Deeper Appreciation: Make appreciative listening a regular habit to deepen your connection with sound and music.

Ending Remarks 

Showing gratitude is a great way of implementing effective appreciative listening. It makes the speaker feel you value them. Also, the factors impacting it, such as active listening skills and emotional intelligence, should not be missed.

In every relationship or area of life, there is a huge importance of appreciative listening techniques as it can bring positivity everywhere. Hence, one should follow it with complete focus.

By understanding the appreciative listening definition, which involves fully concentrating on and appreciating the message being conveyed, we can unlock its full potential and foster deeper connections with others.

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