Pseudolistening

We may appear to be listening when we are not

Pseudo-listening is a type of non-listening that consists of appearing attentive in conversation while actually ignoring or only partially listening to the other speaker.[1] Pseudolistening is often used as a coping mechanism to manage personal needs while appearing attentive to others.[2] The word pseudo-listening is a compound word composed of the prefix pseudo- (meaning "fake, not real or genuine"[3]), and listening.[4] An example of pseudo-listening is trying to multitask by talking on the phone while watching television or completing work.[5] Pseudo-listening is the most ineffective way to communicate because after the conversation one will not have retained much of the information that was said.[6]

  1. ^ "Pseudolisten Meaning | Best 1 Definitions of Pseudolisten". www.yourdictionary.com.
  2. ^ Rothwell, J. Dan (2013). In the company of others : an introduction to communication. Internet Archive. New York : Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-986162-0.
  3. ^ "pseudo | not real or genuine". www.merriam-webster.com. Retrieved 2015-10-09.
  4. ^ "the definition of listening". Dictionary.com. Retrieved 2015-10-08.
  5. ^ Burch, Michelle; Coleman, Michelle Burch (2004-08-01). Interpersonal Communication: Building Your Foundations for Success. Kendall Hunt. ISBN 9780757509544.
  6. ^ Llangari, Edwing. "Pseudolistening". Edwing Llangari. myeflio. Retrieved October 9, 2015.