NPR

The science behind good listening and why it matters

People. Don’t. Listen. “There’s so much in our society that is encouraging us not to listen," Kate Murphy says. What is good listening and can it make a difference?
Anne Brennan, right, of Hingham Mass., speaks as, from left, brother-in-law Steve Marshall, of Hingham, niece Rebecca Malone, and her husband Brian Malone, both of Duxbury, Mass., and nephew Andrew Marshall, of Quincy, Mass., are gathered for dinner in Hingham, Mass., where politics are a frequent, and divisive topic of conversation. (Josh Reynolds/AP)

“How are you?” It’s a question you probably ask every day.

But, how often do you actually listen to what the other person has to say?

Or, think about by your phone? Or by the next table?

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