Sometime back, I discussed those individuals that are incessant talkers.  However, there is the other side to this issue, and that is do we listen to others.  I don’t mean during a talk or a lecture, but when we are in a conversation with someone.  Do we learn from other’s observations and opinions?  How attentive are we?

I have a friend who not infrequently during a conversation will say emphatically, “I didn’t know that.”   I find few folks that comment in that fashion.  It’s as if it is a sign of weakness to learn of something new from someone else. 

My brother is a great conversationalist.  He’s very well read, but makes comments like “tell me more, or teach me about that.”  That makes for a good conversation, because most of us like to share our knowledge.

I like to ask people that I am meeting for the first time: Tell me Your Story, something that everyone has. 

Another feature to being a good listener, is eye contact.  That is a weakness of mine, as I tend to lose eye contact, I have to remind myself to at least periodically return to looking directly at the person I am visiting with.

Here again, this is one way of adopting the 4-Way Test i.e.  “Will it build good will and better friendships”.   This is something to keep in mind when a prospective member shows up. 

Let’s each of us resolve to be a good listener, at least once this week.

Chuck