Final answer:
Listening is the ability to sense sound and understand spoken words, including the emotions and ideas conveyed. It involves actively engaging with the speaker, interpreting non-verbal cues, and empathizing with their perspective.
Step-by-step explanation:
Listening is the ability to sense sound and understand spoken words. When we listen, we not only hear the words but also pay attention to the emotions and ideas behind them. It involves interpreting tone, body language, and gestures to fully understand the message being conveyed.
For example, when someone is sharing a story, a good listener would actively engage by using facial expressions, gestures, and touch to show that they are listening and understanding. They would also refrain from interrupting and judging, while trying to empathize with the speaker's perspective.
Being a good listener is an important skill to develop in building rapport and effective communication. It requires being present and fully engaged in the conversation, and not just hearing the words being spoken.