Because we don’t listen.
If we listen, things turn around very dramatically (this goes for both sides of course). Another thing I’ve failed many, many times. 🤦
Listening is very important, not just to please the other person, but for you as well, to learn something.
This is actually a little note to myself, but I hope it comes handy to somebody else out there, who wants to improve communication skills. You know, sharing is caring 🙂
Do you have any tips of your own?
Further reading:
– 5 Tips for Becoming a Better Listener
– 6 Ways To Become A Better Listener
– How to Communicate Effectively
To be a good communicator takes time and practice. To know what to say and how to say it is a strong tip. This requires wisdom.
I get lost in my head a lot. This makes it hard to listen and remember what people tell me
Oh, I can relate. It can be really hard indeed. But listening to others is more than just hearing every word they say. I meant more in a way to understand them, to hear them. You might lose the whole conversation, but you still catch a person’s mood, body language etc.
Also, be curious. It’s fun to be a talker, especially if you are an extrovert, but also nice to be an observer for a change. Then you can listen to other people and write about them on your blog!
Great idea.
Listening is one part, yes; but I think another important part people miss is that when they communicate, they’re only thinking about what they want to say, but don’t think enough about who they’re saying it to.
The purpose of communication should be to make sure that the person that who is receiving the communication doesn’t just hear what you’re saying, but can comprehend it too. Poor communication can often come from saying whatever you want to say without any thought about the person(s) receiving it.
Well said, I agree completely.
Thanks for sharing this–loved the TED talk! Very, very helpful!!
So simple yet so complicated for us humans!!
I think communication involves a) what’s being said b) why it’s being said c) who is saying it d) who is listening e) environment the conversation takes place in
There are so many factors that influence a conversation and it really takes the right pieces syncing up to make an impact.
Very good direct point! Reminds me of a scripture in the bible, James 1:19, ” Everyone must be quick to listen” and “slow to speak” .
I find it hard to imagine you failing at listening. Anyways, my top communication tip:
—Only speak when you have something to say 😄
Soo much trouble is avoided by not speaking sometimes 😄. Definitely speak up when you DO have something that you need to communicate, though :).
I just watched the talk. I do all of these things already 😭. I thought this stuff was easy ☹️. I’ve been told by people that I have the ability to talk to anyone. Because I do these things. But they are obvious 😭.
Indeed, soo much trouble is avoided by not speaking sometimes. 😄
🤫🤐
That was good. Thanks, I enjoyed it.
Thank you too Richard.
I was never a big talker so when I went to staff meetings, I was an observer and very often I could see that what someone had said had actually been misunderstood by the other party, so then I would put my hand up and say “wait a minute”…not that I managed to make a difference very often!
And what I meant to say is that as well as listening to someone else, you should ask for clarification if you don’t understand what they say.
Indeed. Thanks for your feedback as always Carolyn. And sorry for waiting for your comment to be seen. My spam filter needs some clarification too. 😀
An added thought. Something I learned many years ago is that we have two ears and one mouth for a reason. 🙂
Good and active listening is half the battle in maintaining good communications and relationships!
Not half but the battle, the battle is won because what is left is not at all seems like a battle if listened properly.