What does it mean to listen actively as opposed to just hearing?

Listening actively involves more than just the physical act of hearing sounds; it requires fully engaging with what is being said. This means processing the information thoughtfully and providing appropriate responses, which demonstrates understanding and engagement with the speaker's message. Active listening includes techniques such as reflecting, asking clarifying questions, and summarizing what has been said, all of which help to ensure a deeper comprehension and connection with the communicator.

In contrast, simply hearing sounds does not involve this level of engagement or comprehension. Engaging in side conversations distracts from the primary discussion, and avoiding context ignores important elements that contribute to understanding the speaker's intent. Thus, actively processing and responding to messages is the hallmark of effective communication and relationships.