Southwest Airlines Professional Communications Certification Practice Exam 2025 - Complete Study Guide

The term that refers to pseudo listening is known as false listening. False listening occurs when an individual gives the appearance of being attentive and engaged in a conversation, but is actually not fully processing or understanding the information being communicated. This can happen for various reasons, such as distraction or lack of interest in the topic.

False listening can be misleading, as it may cause the speaker to believe that their message is being received and valued. However, the listener is not genuinely engaged in the dialogue, which can lead to misunderstandings or miscommunications. It is important in professional settings to cultivate true listening skills to foster effective communication and collaboration.

In contrast to false listening, active listening involves fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and remembering what is being said. Selective listening is when an individual only hears what they want to hear, filtering out distractions or parts of the message. Reflective listening is about mirroring or paraphrasing what the speaker has said, demonstrating a deeper engagement with their message. These forms of listening emphasize genuine engagement and comprehension, distinguishing them from the superficial nature of false listening.