What is listening?
The name of this blog is “Listen” because it is a skill that I believe is underused in the communications industry. But what is listening exactly? How do you know if you are really doing it?
Listening is not the same as hearing. I found a good guide on the difference between using your ears to hear and using your brain to listen from an unlikely source – City College of San Francisco. Here is an excerpt:
“Hearing is physical. Listening is following and understanding the sound—it is hearing with a purpose. Good listening is built on three basic skills: attitude, attention, and adjustment.
Listening is the absorption of the meanings of words and sentences by the brain. Listening leads to the understanding of facts and ideas. But listening takes attention, or sticking to the task at hand in spite of distractions.”
What is the most important sense needed to really listen? I think it is the eyes. Listening takes concentration. It is easier to focus on the speaker without thinking about your next question or what’s for lunch when you have more than one sense engaged. Use your eyes and your ears for active listening.
