The document discusses the differences between hearing and listening. Hearing is a physical process where sound waves cause vibrations in the eardrum. Listening is a mental process where the brain gives meaning to the sounds heard. While hearing can occur without listening, listening requires concentrating to understand meaning. Therefore, people can be "hard of listening" rather than just "hard of hearing" if they do not concentrate on what is being said. The document also discusses barriers to effective listening like distractions and lack of interest that prevent understanding messages.

2.  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?

3.  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."

4.  is intermittent
 is a learned skill
 is active
 implies using and interpreting
the message received

5. You get the You focus on You attach You integrate You judge the You decide
stimuli stimuli meanings to the message merits of the what to do with
stimuli into your frame information the information
of reference
Receive Select Interpret Understand Evaluate Respond
This process is experienced in RAPID
succession…OVER and OVER…

6.  Physical distractions
 Physiological distractions
 Psychological distractions
 Factual distractions
 Semantic distractions

7.  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!)

8.  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.

9.  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.