This course explores the meaning of active listening and the reasons why people do not listen effectively. Unfortunately, most people are not very good at listening. Researchers estimate that people generally comprehend only 25% of a typical verbal message. Too many people take active listening skills for granted. They believe that hearing and listening are the same. They don't realize that listening is much more than hearing sound vibrations. Active listening is hard work in which a person not only hears what is said, but also attempts to understand the facts and feelings of the speaker and tries to convey to the speaker that "I understand what you are saying." Learn how to determine your "listening skills level"; why people don't listen better; why we have to use more than our ears to listen; the different levels of listening; and specific skills that can help improve a person's listening skills.