Hearing And Listening

Definition

Through the years, numerous definitions of listening have been proposed. Perhaps the most useful one defines listening as the process of receiving, attending, and understanding auditory messages; that is, messages transmitted through the medium of sound. Often, the steps of responding and remembering are also included.

Hearing vs. Listening

Listening and hearing are not the same. Hearing is the first stage of listening. Hearing occurs when your ears pick up sound waves which are then transported to your brain. This stage is your sense of hearing.

Hearing is simply the act of perceiving sound by the ear. If you are not hearing-impaired, hearing simply happens. Listening, however, is something you consciously choose to do. Listening requires concentration so that your brain processes meaning from words and sentences. Listening leads to learning.

ACTIVE LISTENING

One of the most important skills for both leaders and participants is listening. Listening is the basis of true communication--listening to oneself to hear the truth of one's heart, and listening to the other, to hear clearly what they are saying. Listening is a skill that we are never finished learning. It is one of the basic skills of body-mind-spirit workshops, where part of the process involves listening to the wisdom of the body. This section concerns one kind of listening that involves an active attentive presence to oneself and to the other person. The purpose of active listening is to provide a safe and caring space for a person to speak and share whatever is going on within them, knowing that they are accepted and understood by the listener. When a person is listened to, they are often empowered to free themselves of feelings, memories, emotions, thoughts, concerns, problems, and wounds of the past. For person suffering traumatic stress, listening brings much comfort and provides the atmosphere for healing.

When a person is listened to with care and respect, they are able to discharge many memories and wounds of the past that are affecting their lives in the present. And from the security and wisdom of the present moment, they can let go of the wounds of the past.

Active listening involves one person who takes the role of the speaker, and the other person ho is the listener. While the speaker shares, the listener gives their total attention, and from time to time asks a question or mirrors back what the speaker has shared. After one person has shared for a while and feels finished, the two exchange roles and the listener becomes the speaker. This kind of listening is very useful in many situations and is excellent at times of conflict. Many times problems can't be easily resolved. Putting aside your feelings and opinions to truly listen to the other person, can help you to deeply understand the other and their point of view. Listening presence is a variation in which two people take turns at sharing and listening. Here the listener only listens to the speaker with respect, without comments or questions. The listener simply accompanies the speaker with their attention. It is important that both persons take equal turns at speaking and sharing.

10 Ways to Be a Better Communicator and an Effective Listener

Here are 10 ways to be an effective listener:

1. Recognize the difference between hearing and listening

There is a very distinct difference between hearing and listening. Hearing is to merely perceive sound. Listening is the mindful, conscious act and desire to hear, comprehend, and response to others.

2. Be willing to listen

Begin with a commitment to listen - be open minded and consider other points of view. Listen regardless of whether you agree or disagree