The Art of Listening

Listening is the most valuable skill in your communication toolkit.

It will make you a far better conversationalist than the smoothest salesperson. 

It will teach you more than the top-selling self-help book.

You will get what you want without ever having to demand or request.

And all without saying a word. 

By actively listening, you fully engage with the person in front of you. And when it comes time to respond, you are able to do so appropriately and effectively, using the feedback gained through listening. 

By listening, you are able to communicate and give that person exactly what they need. 

Regardless of your ability to articulate the thesaurus, convey emotion deeply through your tone, or your ability to paint a vivid image through your telling of a story; if you are unwilling to listen, then your words may well fall on deaf ears, and the message lost because you were too busy trying to convey your own agenda.

Irrespective of your profession, your age, or your goals; practicing listening will always be of benefit to you and the other person.

You have two ears and one mouth. Use each accordingly. 

Listen twice as much as you talk. 

That is effective communication.