Do You Listen or Leave 'Em Hanging?

They say that listening well is an art form. But do you recall how frustrating it was the last time you spoke with someone who was only partly present? Being an effective listener isn't just about hearing what's said; it also involves conveying your interest and understanding.

Good communication keeps human relations going. But too often there is a breakdown at the receiving end. A prime example would be parents who are at a loss when their teenager "tunes out" during a conversation. Parents don't know what to focus on in the two-way exchange and don't profit enough from the experience. But according to Dr. Thomas Gordon, author of Parent Effectiveness Training, parents can break through this impasse and get their children to talk with them by "active listening." The technique can be learned and applied to conversations with adults, too.

To discover how well you listen, take the following quiz.