This fully revised third edition explores the essential role of listening to human communication across contexts and cultures. Based on the premise that listening is a goal-directed activity, this book blends theory with practical application and builds knowledge, insight, and skills to help the reader become a more effective listener. In this new edition, theory and research has been updated with an emphasis on how the growing reliance on mediated communication affects how individuals communicate in their personal, professional, and educational lives. It introduces students to emerging concepts and methods such as neurodiversity and fMRI as well as evolving professional and educational contexts including aural architecture and "the musical brain". Addressing listening as a cognitive process, social function, and critical professional competency, this is an essential textbook for undergraduate courses in listening and communication studies. In addition to a fully updated instructor’s manual containing discussion questions, activities and assignments, and exam questions, this new edition includes PowerPoint slides and videos. They are available at http://www.routledge.com/9781032491257.