How to tell if someone is listening.

So when you are listening to somebody, completely, attentively, then you are listening not only to the words, but also to the feeling of what is being conveyed, to the whole of it, not part of it.

-Jiddu Krishnamurti 

How could someone tell if someone is listening? Well are you a good listener? Should someone listen to you? Do you have someone important to say? These are questions that are taken into consideration when you are the speaker. Regardless people should have respect for the speaker even if they are not interested. That brings up the question of if most people are born with two functioning ears to listen with, why do people not take advantage of these given hearing devices?


Importantly one must look for signs when speaking to see if they have gotten the attention of their audience. One way anyone can tell if someone is listening is through one's techniques and body language.

1) Leaning towards the speaker shows interest.

2) If one folds their arms are shows they are not open for discussion.

3) Using direct eye contact with the speaker signals interest also. Look the speaker in the eye.

4) Tilting your head to one side or the other also demonstrates your focusing on what’s being discussed.

5) A common way to tell if someone is truly listening is whether they use any interjections or not. Some of these include, "mhmm, ohh, that's true".

6) Asking questions

Tip: If you're having a difficult time concentrating on what someone is saying, try repeating their words mentally as they say them. This will reinforce their message and help you stay focused.


Something to take into consideration is that some people have not developed all these skill but when these techniques are used it’s a great way to offer assurance that someone is listening.

For more information on how to tell someone is listening visit:
http://www.newkerala.com/self-help/Articles/Develop-Listening-Skills.html
or
http://www.ehow.com/how_2283228_tell-someone-really-listening-you.html