Active Listening. Hearing is not listening.

Hearing is passive. Sound hits the eardrum. Listening is active. It means reflecting, asking questions, and confirming that you understood. Most people in a conversation are waiting for their turn to talk. Listeners are rare. People can tell the difference.

• One technique: after someone speaks, repeat back what they said in your own words before responding.
• Try it once today. Listen to someone without planning your reply. Notice what changes.