Six Distinct Components of Listening

Hearing — Process of receiving sound or other stimuli

Attending — Focusing attention on external stimuli

Interpreting — The process of decoding the symbols or behavior attended to

Evaluating — The process of deciding the value of the info to receiver

Remembering — The process of placing the appropriate information into the short term or long term storage

Responding — The process of giving feedback to the source and/or another receiver

There is a difference between truly listening and waiting for your turn to talk. It is pertinent to quote Dean Jackson, “Listening is an art that requires attention over talents, spirit over ego, others over self”.