1. Listening: Attitudes, Principles, & Skills
Chapter 2 Objectives
After completing this chapter, you will become more aware of:
The central role listening plays in the communication process
The importance of individual perception in the listening process
The complexity of listening
The variety of listening definitions
Factors that influence your listening

2. Listening is a Receiver-Defined Activity—a message means whatever the listener thinks it means.

3. Traditional Communication Models
Linear: Sender – Encode – Message – Channel – Receiver Decode – Feedback -- Noise

4. Meanings are influenced by:
listener variables, the
listener’s past experiences, and
the communication context.

5. Negotiated Meanings
Negotiated meaning emphasizes the role listening plays as you strive to align your behavior with your partner’s based on a process of constant listening and subsequent adjustment. Cultural differences make the possibility of miscommunication even more striking.

6. Factors that Influence Listening
Open-mindedness, personal style, patience
Intelligence
Anxiety & stress
Attitude
Gender
Cultural background
Organization
Nature of the message

7. Things we know about LISTENING:
Listening is a system of interrelated processes
Listening involves both hearing and seeing
Listening can take place in mediated situations
Listening is active and mindful
Your response is a necessary component of the listening process
Listening is not always purposeful

8. Listening Strategy is determined by
CONTEXT
Dyadic/Interpersonal
Small Group
Public
Mediated (texting, , phone, zoom)
PURPOSE
Discriminative (distinguish sounds)
Comprehensive (understand & learn)
Critical (evaluate & judge)
Therapeutic (empathize)
Appreciative (enjoy)