In the listening process, what is the second stage?

The second stage in the listening process is attending. This stage follows the initial receiving stage, where the listener senses the auditory signals (such as sounds and words). Attending involves focusing on these stimuli and making a conscious effort to understand the message being conveyed. It is characterized by the listener’s ability to concentrate on the information and engage with it actively, filtering out distractions and prioritizing what is being communicated.

Effective attending is crucial because it lays the groundwork for the subsequent phases of responding and remembering. Without proper attention, the listener may struggle to fully grasp the speaker's message or may miss critical details, leading to misunderstandings. Thus, attending is an essential part of effective communication, helping to ensure that what is heard is conveyed accurately and processed meaningfully.