The document discusses the difference between hearing and listening. While we hear many things, we often do not truly listen because we are distracted or waiting to speak. This can cause us to miss important information, as the author did when a witness made a remark revealing racial bias. True listening requires full attention and awareness. In the courtroom, heightened listening helps avoid missing witness testimony and become aware of jurors' nonverbal reactions. Listening is a skill that can be improved to the benefit of lawyers and their work.