Which Comes First…Hearing or Listening?

I attended a refresher’s course today and two of the things we talked about were hearing and listening.

So which comes first?

And are they the same thing?

Share your thoughts below.

Hearing vs Listening

Florence is an Optimist, Encourager, Author, Speaker, Consultant & Mom of the most amazing daughter ever. She shares tips, tools, and resources with parents of dyslexic children to stop the struggle. A believer in the unique learning abilities of all children, she is a strong advocate for those who learn differently.

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6 thoughts on “Which Comes First…Hearing or Listening?

    • That is so true, Brenda. The sad fact is that most people do not naturally follow up hearing with listening. Then the children imitate what is modeled. And the vicious cycle continues.

  1. I was once told I have 2 ear and 1 mouth and should use them in those ratio’s. Also a good leader is one who can listen!

    • Hey Andy, did you hang around my folks? I was told the same thing…more than once. I also agree with you about good leaders listening to those whom they lead. If they perceive that they are being heard, they will move mountains for the leader.

  2. I believe you hear first and then listen. If I don’t hear you then I’m not listening.

    • The sequence is correct. However, someone may hear and NOT listen, so this is how I’d put it, “If I don’t hear you, I can’t listen.”