listens

Listening is the active process of receiving, interpreting, and responding to sounds and messages. It requires attention, comprehension, and judgment. Hearing is the physiological perception of sound; listening involves cognitive processing and intentional focus. The verb form listens describes the action of trying to understand what another person is saying.

There are several listening styles: active listening, empathic listening, critical listening, and appreciative listening. Active listening entails confirming understanding and providing feedback. The listening process generally includes receiving, understanding, evaluating, responding, and remembering, with effective listening requiring focus, avoiding interruptions, and minimizing distractions.

Techniques to improve listening include paraphrasing what was said, asking clarifying questions, reflecting the speaker’s feelings, and using appropriate nonverbal cues. Barriers include external noise, cognitive overload, personal biases, language differences, and emotional states. Cultural expectations can also shape how attentiveness is shown and interpreted, influencing feedback and trust.

Listening is foundational in education, workplaces, healthcare, and personal relationships. Strong listening supports accurate understanding, reduces misunderstandings, and builds trust. Training in listening skills, such as structured exercises and feedback, can enhance communication effectiveness across diverse settings.