Stages of the Listening Process

Ruby went through all four stages of the listening process:

1. Stage 1Sensing, or simply hearing the words. Before you can listen, the speaker must
have your attention. When the speaker has your attention, you are able to hear and receive
the intended message.
2. Stage 2- Interpreting, or deriving meaning from the words. At this stage you make sense
out of the words for your own understanding
3. Stage 3- Evaluating, or judging what the message is about in context. How you evaluate
the message determines in large part how you will respond to it.
4. State 4-Responding, or turning listening into a two-way process. This step allows you to
offer feedback, advice, or a similar reaction. You and the speaker must listen to each other
and respond for successful communication.

Imagine that Ms. Mincelli sees Ruby on the street the following day. Ms. Micelli tells Ruby that she
would like to talk to her about something. Ruby is curious and responds, Sure, what is it? Ms.
Micellis says, I think we should sit down. Lets duck into the soda shop. Ruby is somewhat
worried by this suggestion and says, Is everything okay, Ms. M? Ms. Micelli assures Ruby that
everything is fine, that she just needs to get off her feet, and they can talk more easily indoors.
Okay, Ms. M, says Ruby. And the sodas are on me.

Ruby went through the stages of the listening process. She sensed (heard) Ms. M and
gave her the attention she required.
Ruby interpreted and evaluated Ms. Ms request.
Continually listening and giving feedback, Ruby finally determined how best to respond to
Ms. Ms request.
She agrees to Ms. M suggestion and offers one of her own.