I first read about training in listening skills about 25 years ago. I didn’t really understand the difference between hearing and listening. I thought people had hearing problems. Now I get it.

Everybody talks
I see people talking loudly on cellular phones at airports, in shopping malls and in gyms, all while doing something else. It took me a while to get used to ignoring people talking on cell phones. At airports, I would be walking to the departure gate, and hear a loud “Hello!” I thought somebody was calling me until I turned around and saw them apparently talking to themselves. I eventually figured out that they were using a headset and talking to someone on their cell phone.

What is listening?
Listening implies hearing with interest and with the intent of taking action. While my kids were growing up, their teacher would tell the students to “tune in” when she was talking. At home, parents talk and try to make their kids listen, and the kids easily tune them out. How many times have you gone to a meeting where people are present, but almost nobody is listening to the presentation? Many speakers bring associates to their sessions so someone will actually listen to them when they talk.

 …