If paying attention is the same as listening, then I'm all ears!

He pretty much says they're the same thing:

Whatever advice you’ve read about the importance of paying attention, multiply it by five. It matters that much. In fact, assuming you’re reasonably interesting and can hold up your end of a conversation, it’s the only thing that matters.

Random jokers might be willing to work to keep your attention but important people won’t. They have better things to do and they’re not going to keep talking to you or act like a performing monkey trying to keep you engaged if you can’t stay focused.

Wow.  Awesome comic.  I should make that my iPhone lock screen.