The listening process occurs so quickly that we may think of it as automatic, but in fact, listening involves a complex web of skills. It has three very specific components. First, we must have the motivation to pay attention to messages—known as the affective component of listening. The cognitive component of listening involves selecting a specific message to pay attention to, focusing on it, and understanding it. Finally, the behavioral component involves responding verbally and nonverbally to let others know we have remembered and understood what they said (Bodie, 2012; Halone, Cunconan, Coakley, & Wolvin, 1998). We can develop and improve our listening skills by focusing on these three components.