Communications: Listening

Hearing

A passive physiological activity that occurs when sound waves hit our eardrums.

Listening

An active process that involves multiple steps, including being mindful, receiving messages, interpreting, responding, and remembering.

Steps of Listening

1. Being Mindful 2. Physically receiving messages 3. Select and interpret 4. Respond 5. Remember.

Cognitive Schemata

Mental structures used to organize perceptions and select material that stands out.

Forms of Nonlistening

Includes defensive listening, ambushing, and literal listening.

Informational Listening

Goal of gaining and understanding information.

Critical Listening

Listening to form opinions and evaluate people and ideas.

Relational Listening

Listening with people we care about to build and end relationships.

External Obstacles to Effective Listening

Include message overload, message complexity, and environmental distractions.

Prototype

The most common and best representation of a category.

Message Overload

A situation where an individual receives too much information at once, hindering effective listening.

Environmental Distractions

External factors in the environment that interfere with listening.

Defensive Listening

Listening to protect oneself from being hurt or challenged.

Ambushing

Listening to gather information to use against someone.

Literal Listening

Focusing solely on the content level of meaning without considering the emotional context.

Express Support

Listening to provide support to people we care about, both in personal and workplace settings.

Listening for Pleasure

Listening for enjoyment or recreation.