Will B. Listening

It always surprises me just how many people lack the skill of good listener. I to was not always the best listener but I have always had good manners. I pride myself on being a southern gentleman. Although I am not always perfect when practicing as a southern gentleman, I am always mindful of the rules of a southern gentlemen. Southern gentlemen rules withstanding, I pride myself on good manners. So, todays soap box discussion is on how to listen. I believe there are fewer good listeners because of the whole me generation but that’s another story all together.

First rule in listening is its not about you. Listening is all about the person you’re listening to. A good portion of the reason someone wants to talk or tell you something is because they either need to get something off their chest or are excited to share a story or news.

Second hold questions till the end unless they ask for your opinion. Interrupting someone while they talk shows you don’t care about what they are saying.

Third Pause for a moment or two to take in what was said. Try to think for a moment what the persons reasons are for what they are saying. Then either ask some questions or reply with a response that might help the person. A lot of times a person is looking for empathy from the listener.

These are the 3 general rules I try to follow. Even that blowhard that tells those long pointless stories should get a polite chuckle or emhmmm at the end of a story to be polite.

Its not easy to unlearn bad habits or pore manners but it is possible with constant practice. You may never know what a kind word or being a good listener on the right day may bring to someone but it might just be the difference in saving a life or even just to make someone’s day brighter.

Next time someone wants to talk just give these 3 rules a try and I bet the person talking to you will not only feel better so will you knowing you may have helped someone have a better day. Remember the talker is the talker and the listener is the one to be listening. Understand your role and you will do just fine.

This is Will B. saying lets change the me generation into the us generation.