Listening implies gaining some understanding from
what was heard. I deliberately said some understanding because from
a constructivist perspective everyone constructs their own reality so
that the sense that is made when listening to a speaker is the meaning
that the listener constructs, which is not necessarily the speaker’s intended
meaning.
Listening cannot be separated from other aspects of communication.
Understanding is gained not only by listening to what is said but also by
being attentive to body language such as gestures, sighs, silences, and
facial expressions. Furthermore, understanding is influenced by feelings
and intuitions as well as by making sense by thinking.