Which of the following best describes the stage of sensing in listening?

The stage of sensing in listening is best described as the physical reception of auditory signals. This stage involves the initial step in the listening process where sound waves are received by the ears and processed by the brain. It is a critical foundation for effective listening because without accurately sensing the auditory signals, the subsequent stages such as interpreting and responding cannot occur properly.

In the context of listening, sensing includes not just the act of hearing but also the ability to focus on the sounds being made, differentiate between them, and recognize when a speaker is communicating. This is primarily a physiological process that sets the groundwork for comprehension and engagement that occurs in later stages. Developing strong sensing skills enables a listener to catch key details and nuances, which are important for effective communication.