Which of the following factors can act as barriers to effective listening?

Laziness can indeed serve as a significant barrier to effective listening. When an individual approaches a conversation or a lecture with a lazy mindset, they may lack the motivation to actively engage with the speaker or the material being presented. This can lead to distractions, a failure to concentrate, and an unwillingness to put in the mental effort required to understand the message fully. Effective listening necessitates being attentive and mentally present; laziness detracts from this by fostering an attitude of indifference that can obstruct comprehension and retention of information.

In contrast, curiosity, interest, and openness are all factors that enhance listening skills by encouraging engagement and a proactive approach to understanding. They promote a more attentive and responsive listening environment, which can facilitate deeper connections and learning outcomes.