Saturday, March 3, 2012

LISTENING: How Well Do You Listen?


If talk is cheap, why do we always find ourselves paying such a huge price for not listening?

The answer is simple. It is because we have undervalued the true worth of conversation. We often hear about the art of conversation—how it’s dying or what’s needed to make it flourish, or how rare it is to hear good conversation. What is killing the art of conversation is nothing more than the absence of good listeners.

You don’t believe me? Well, get on the subway in New York City, say something and see if anyone hears you, let alone listens to you. Everyone is wearing a headphone or earphones or just staring into space.

In today’s world, there are many things competing for our attention. Gone are the days when all you needed to remember was your phone number and perhaps your social security number. Today, you have to remember not only those important numbers, but your cell phone number, social security number, tens of passwords and tens of PINs (Personal Identification Numbers), etc.

Because of the premium price placed on time, we’ve also placed a price tag on conversation. We only wish to engage in conversations that bring monetary value. We no longer want chat time with our neighbors or family members, or the elderly Mrs. Williams at the end of the block, because we suspect she would want to tell us all about the good old days when we could leave our doors unlocked or sit on our front porch and wave to passers-by. We only want conversations that lead to income. No longer do we want to engage in a conversation that centers on others; just what’s in it for us.

In order for us to enjoy once again the art of conversation, we must be willing to listen. 

Listening is not natural. It is not one of the body’s senses. Listening is an art. Those who have mastered the art of listening are well on their way to being popular and learning something new.

Remember, the art of conversation lies in listening.

4 comments:

  1. Ola, brilliant article. It is the reason I evolved from a desire to be a professional speaker to becoming a professional listener! You can find more information on what I'm doing at http://Listen2Speak.com
    The "art" of listening is critical with today's socioloigcal issues. Separating humans into groups, i.e. race, creed, color, political affiliation, etc. is creating turmoil and lack of intelligent discourse. We have to recognize a variety of opinions, cultures and listen to their viewpoints to respect them instead of just assuming their viewpoints from the media.
    Again...loved your article!

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    Replies
    1. Hello Jim,

      Thanks for your comment. I appreciate it.

      I will visit Listen2speak.com.

      Please be on the lookout for more on this topic in the days and weeks ahead.

      Regards.

      Ola

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  2. I agree with your words that sums it all up -

    "The answer is simple. It is because we have undervalued the true worth of conversation. We often hear about the art of conversation—how it’s dying or what’s needed to make it flourish, or how rare it is to hear good conversation. What is killing the art of conversation is nothing more than the absence of good listeners."

    Thanks for sh.aring a great post

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    Replies
    1. Salim,

      Thanks for your comment.

      Please be on the lookout for more on this topic in the days to come.

      Regards.

      Ola

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