ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the definition of listening and characterizes civil and uncivil listening behaviors. Civil listening is characterized as confirming others, is ethical, can be risky, is time-consuming, and can be difficult. The chapter then provides students with strategies to improve their ability to listen. Furthermore, the chapter covers the stages and types of listening, such as hearing and appreciative listening; understanding and comprehensive listening; remembering, interpreting, and empathic listening; evaluating and critical listening; and responding and active listening. The chapter also advances skills that will improve students’ ability to engage in civil listening and confirming listening response styles, including prompting and questioning, reassuring and expressing concern, and paraphrasing thoughts and feelings. The chapter concludes with information about the relationship between listening and the culture, gender, and workplace contexts.
