.We listen to obtain information.
We listen to understand.
We listen for enjoyment.
We listen to learn. The way to become a better listener is to practice "active listening." This is where we make a conscious effort to hear not only the words that another person is saying but, more importantly, try to understand the complete message being sent. In order to do this we must pay attention to the other person very carefully. We cannot allow our self to become distracted by whatever else may be going on around us, or by forming counter arguments that we'll make when the other person stops speaking. Nor can we allow our self to get bored, and lose focus on what the other person is saying. All of these contribute to a lack of listening and understanding.