Hearing The physical process of sound ways striking

the eardrum and causing vibrations.

Listening The reaction when the brain reconstructs

these electrochemical impulses and then gives them meaning.

Therefore…we can hear without listening… but can we listen without hearing?

Hearing the act of perceiving sound by the ear. If you are not hearing-impaired, hearing simply

happens.

Listening something you consciously choose to do. Listening requires concentration so that your brain

processes meaning from words and sentences.

Therefore…people can be "hard of listening” rather than "hard of

hearing."

is intermittent

is a learned skill

is active

implies using and interpreting the message received

You get the stimuli

You focus on stimuli

You attach meanings to

stimuli

You integrate the message

into your frame of

reference

You judge the merits of the information

You decide what to do

with the information

Receive Select Interpret Understand Evaluate Respond

This process is experienced in RAPID succession…OVER and OVER…

Physical distractions

Physiological distractions

Psychological distractions

Factual distractions

Semantic distractions

Lack of interest – “I don’t care” Distracting delivery – fidgeting, dress/attire External/Internal noise – external sounds, internal

thoughts Arrogance and disrespect – know-it-all Pre-programmed emotional response– bias Listening for facts – don’t gain big picture Faking attention – look the part Thought speed – think faster than we talk Other barriers – tiredness, insincerity

(Surely none of us have ever experienced

these reactions to listening!)

Remove physical barriers to listening. Focus on the speaker’s main idea. Listen for the intent as well as the

content of the message.

Give the other person a full hearing. Remember the saying “meanings are

in people not words”. Concentrate on the person

as a communicator and as a human being.

Desire to listen.

Focus on the message.

Listen for main ideas.

Understand the person’s point of view.

Reinforce the message.

Provide feedback.

Listen with the body.

Listen critically, but withhold judgment.