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The Power of Listening
Purdue University Global
CM206 - Unit 6 Assignment
2
While we may overlook listening, it is a crucial part of interpersonal communication. We
all think we are excellent listeners, but true listening goes far beyond simply hearing what is
being said. Listening is an intricate skill that requires mindful engagement and awareness of
verbal and nonverbal communication dynamics. The ability to actively listen in interpersonal
communication can foster understanding, create meaningful connections, and transform
relationships personally and professionally by going beyond the mechanical process of hearing.
Listening is a fundamental and complex part of interpersonal communication. Woods
(2019) defines listening as “an active process that consists of being mindful, physically receiving
messages, selecting and organizing messages, interpreting messages, responding, and
remembering” (pg.170). That definition covers the complexity of listening but also makes it
seem very daunting. For me, listening is being present, hearing to understand and retain, making
sure the person knows you are listening, whether with verbal or nonverbal cues, and engaging
back in the conversation (Woods, 2019). Engaging can either be for clarification, offering
, support, or simply replying to the conversation (Woods, 2019). Effective listening is an active
process involving multiple components, and we spend 42% of our communication listening, so
knowing how to do it effectively is paramount (Encyclopedia.com, n.d.).
While understanding what listening is and how it is done is essential, examining its
specific purposes and techniques reveals the skills required for effective interpersonal
interaction. There are three reasons for listening: pleasure, gathering information, and supporting
others (Woods, 2019). Each scenario is different and requires different components to be done
effectively. When you listen for pleasure, you focus more on enjoyment than understanding,
which does not always require a response. When listening to music, watching a movie, or having
a casual conversation with a friend, you are probably listening for pleasure. This is considered
The Power of Listening
Purdue University Global
CM206 - Unit 6 Assignment
2
While we may overlook listening, it is a crucial part of interpersonal communication. We
all think we are excellent listeners, but true listening goes far beyond simply hearing what is
being said. Listening is an intricate skill that requires mindful engagement and awareness of
verbal and nonverbal communication dynamics. The ability to actively listen in interpersonal
communication can foster understanding, create meaningful connections, and transform
relationships personally and professionally by going beyond the mechanical process of hearing.
Listening is a fundamental and complex part of interpersonal communication. Woods
(2019) defines listening as “an active process that consists of being mindful, physically receiving
messages, selecting and organizing messages, interpreting messages, responding, and
remembering” (pg.170). That definition covers the complexity of listening but also makes it
seem very daunting. For me, listening is being present, hearing to understand and retain, making
sure the person knows you are listening, whether with verbal or nonverbal cues, and engaging
back in the conversation (Woods, 2019). Engaging can either be for clarification, offering
, support, or simply replying to the conversation (Woods, 2019). Effective listening is an active
process involving multiple components, and we spend 42% of our communication listening, so
knowing how to do it effectively is paramount (Encyclopedia.com, n.d.).
While understanding what listening is and how it is done is essential, examining its
specific purposes and techniques reveals the skills required for effective interpersonal
interaction. There are three reasons for listening: pleasure, gathering information, and supporting
others (Woods, 2019). Each scenario is different and requires different components to be done
effectively. When you listen for pleasure, you focus more on enjoyment than understanding,
which does not always require a response. When listening to music, watching a movie, or having
a casual conversation with a friend, you are probably listening for pleasure. This is considered
