Common understanding decrees that hearing and listening are two different activities and abilities. Hearing requires functioning ears. Listening, on the other hand, requires comprehension, minimal distraction and a release from your opinions while the other person(s) is speaking. And then there’s deep listening.

Deep listening can take many forms. When speaking with someone who is listening deeply, you may feel as if you are the only person in the world. The listener gives you the impression that she is completely rapt by your words and thoughts. The experience of deep listening seems kind, understanding and meaningful. Deep listening engenders a powerful interaction, a stronger relationship and mutual understanding that helps decrease friction and conflict.

The full text of this article reviews what deep listening is, identifies several key benefits of deep listening, and provides five ways to take your deep-listening skillfulness to a new level.