3 Types Of Listening

In Brisk they break things up into two categories. The Rogochover Gaon was wont to splitting things up into three categories. We will go the latter route...

There are three types of listening:

1] Polite listening.

2] Interested listening.

3] Empathetic listening.


The accepted reation when listening politely is "Aha" or "Ahhh". [For those of you who receive emails from me and I write "AHHHHHHHHHHH" that is not polite listening but an expression of the excitement I feel for you and whatever may be going on in your life:)]. If one is a bit more polite then he says "What do you say?"

The accepted reaction for interested listening is "What time did that happen to you?" "Was anyone with you when it happened?" "What did it look like?"

The reaction to category 3 may be something like "Really? How did that make you feel?"

If you want to have a deep relationship with a spouse or child try your best to listen empathetically, with your heart [recommended to turn off cell phones]. If you fake it they will probably be able to tell.

I can always tell:-).

[Based on "Ha-Ish Mekadesh" page 325]