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The most basic of all human needs is the need to understand
and be understood. The best way to understand people is to listen to them.
Effective listeners remember that "words have no meaning - people have meaning." The assignment of meaning to a term is an internal process; meaning comes from inside us. And although our experiences, knowledge and attitudes differ, we often misinterpret each others messages while
under the illusion that a common understanding has been achieved. Larry
Barker
Listening
for and identifying the tone in others and adapting appropriately -- as well
being conscious of the tone of your own messages -- will determine your
communication effectiveness. Being tone conscious will prevent you from sending
and receiving messages that fall on deaf ears.
Our first responsibility as effective listeners is to understand ourselves as communicators. Just as the sources of the communication message shout be trained in self-intrapersonal communication, so, too, should listeners know themselves. Carolyn Coakley
Every person in this life has something to teach me -- and as soon as I accept that, I open myself to truly listening. Catherine Doucette
Listening effectively to others can be the most fundamental and powerful communication tool of all. When someone is willing to stop talking or thinking and begin truly listening to others, all of their interactions become easier, and communication problems are all but eliminated. Ken Johnson
The contrast between hearing and really listening can be as different as night and day. And in a business environment, not listening effectively to customers, employees, and peers can mean the difference between success and failure. Ken Johnson
Listening well is as powerful a means of communication and influence as to talk well. John Marshall
When making personal decisions, listen to what your head says; then listen to what your heart says. If they differ, follow your heart! Whenever you listen to your heart, you listen to that part of you that is most interested in your well-being. Anonymous
Advice that Grant /Cornwell,
philosopher-scholar and president of the College of Wooster in Ohio, gave students
in an address in the fall of 2007:
"You have the responsibility to develop your skills in writing, in speaking,
but perhaps most of all in listening. Listen for differences. Seek them out.
Don't surround yourself only with those who see the world as you do." -
From Jan/Feb 2008 AARP Bulletin -
If you have additional quotations you would like to see added to this page, please e-mail them to the Web Editor.
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Updated 8/18/08
Web Editor, Joyce Chen
