Originally from Alternatives to the High Cost of Litigation

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Following from the previous Master Mediator column, listening is a multidimensional practice that requires commitment and constant attention. See Robert Angelo Creo, “The Science of Hearing Effectively,” 40 Alternatives 91 (June 2022) (available at https://bit.ly/3yV1MJl).

When someone speaks, the listener is usually hearing on one of four levels at any one moment, with these commonly framed as: ignoring-distraction; pretending; being selective; or attentive and active listening.

Only the last one is effective. Some contend that the three key aspects of being engaged while listening are cognitive, emotional, and behavioral.