Have you given someone the gift of listening?
By raydene
@raydene (9871)
United States
June 19, 2008 7:40am CST
Have you given the 'Gift of Listening' ?
We think we do but usually don't really listen.
In order to be a good listener
you really have to listen.
No interrupting!
No planning your response!
Just listening...daydreaming doesn't count!
xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
1 person likes this
7 responses
@abbey19 (3106)
• Gold Coast, Australia
19 Jun 08
Many people listen - but do they really hear?
Over the years, my friends have paid me the complement of saying that I am a good listener. I never thought much about it, but on reflection, I suppose I am. I like to hear a person out, don't interrupt whilst they are speaking, (especially if it's something personal), and then when they have finished, I can answer them - because I have heard what they had to say. If I have really listened to them, then I can help them. We have to listen with our hearts.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (160663)
• United States
19 Jun 08
Sometimes, abbey, what you hear is much more than the words, but is what is behind the words and deep under the stream of thought. You have to really pay attention to expression and body language and to what stays left unsaid. I would venture to say that you have that skill if your friends are paying you that complement. Good job.
1 person likes this
@ankush_uict (512)
• India
21 Jun 08
hey garden, i agree with you that one needs to also look at the speaker's actions, body language, facial expressions and most important of all eyes. They all say a lot more than what speaker is saying. they convey us the real meaning of what speaker says. And one who has this quality of reading the people's body language and facial expressions and eyes, is a real listener and a successful communicator. I do try my best to also concentrate and decipher the speaker's actions, but i am not still good. But one day i will. Till then i just concentrate more on his or her words.
1 person likes this
@ladyljs (1303)
• United States
19 Jun 08
I have to say that I am guilty of daydreaming when certain people talk....it's usually because I have heard that same story 4 times before!!! LOL.
No seriously, listening is a skill that takes concentration, and is not easy if done correctly!
Thanks for listening friend!!!!
1 person likes this
@fifileigh (3615)
• United States
20 Jun 08
i listen more than i talk. but these days i am getting sick of listening to people's crap, and therefore keeping busy doing my own thing to avoid people's headache...
but listening to others' problems gave me a lot of ideas for my novel to create realistic crazy people. it make my characters come alive and my novel appear nonfiction.
@Xdrowninghavocx (3117)
• United States
20 Jun 08
I listen to what others have to say because I'd want them to do the same. I also stay away from prejudgments before any type of words are exchanged with me. I've been told that I have a kind ear. When I was younger I didn't really understand that. Now I take the time to listen to other's opinions and thoughts before I discard them as just being mundane.
@Rosekitty (19368)
• San Marcos, Texas
20 Jun 08
When i am with someone i look at their face and listen to them.. most people that just talk don't look at others eyes cause then they would have to stop talking and wouldn't get all the attention..so make sure you look at their eyes and then you will know if they are paying attention..LOL
@ankush_uict (512)
• India
19 Jun 08
yes this is a very important trait, every one need sto develop it. If everyone in this world listens to the others then i think this world will have less quarrels and it would be a better place to live in. Now the funny part is everyone knows this fact, but still we don't follow it and subconciously ask others to follow it!!!
I am no god, i try best to listen to others before i give my comment or my reply. But when it comes to arguments and fights, if you wait to listen then you are sure to be signed of as a weakling and easily overpowered. This is th state of things today. So even if one wants to listen to others before commenting, he can't for the fear of being shoven aside!!!
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (160663)
• United States
19 Jun 08
I used to be a really good listener, but I am not sure that I am anymore. I am engaged right now in getting back to being me, instead of working all the time and just spinning my wheels. I agree that when you honestly listen to someone you are giving them a gift for sure, and sometimes what you hear is a gift to yourself as well.
