Monday, August 24, 1998

Listen

You can learn a lot from listening. Unfortunately, very few people actually do it. When the other person is talking, most of us are so busy trying to think of what we will say next that we don’t fully appreciate what is being said.

Conversation is not a contest. It is an exchange. When you fail to listen well, you shortchange yourself. The next time you listen to someone else, try really listening. Seek to understand their point of view, even if you don’t agree with it. There is always something you can learn.

When you truly listen, you won’t have to worry about what you say next. Whatever you say will pale in comparison to the positive impression you make from listening attentively.

Listen and learn. Listen with respect. Listen, and gain the rapport and respect of others. Listening is easy if you will just decide to do it. Add power and effectiveness to your communication -- listen, really listen.

— Ralph Marston

Vision revealed       Beyond the obvious

Copyright ©1998 Ralph S. Marston, Jr. All Rights Reserved. The Daily Motivator is provided for your personal, non-commercial use only. Other than personal sharing, please do not re-distribute without permission.