listening

When I hear the word “communication” I think “talking clearly.” And I like to talk. But sometimes I noticed I don’t always get my point across. The other person just doesn’t get it. I’m doing something wrong. Talking a lot doesn’t mean I’m communicating.

Wa, Wa, Wa...

Ya hearin’ me?!?
I recall back in high school I was in a group project. We were writing a skit. I kept on giving ideas and was just ignored. After 30 minutes, I yelled out in frustration, “are you hearing me?” Come to think of it, I just wanted to be heard.

Thanks for listening
I wanted the other people to at least respond and let me know that they heard what I said. I realized that if I wanted to be heard so much then others must want the same thing too.

“Wa Wa Wa”
If I just keep talking and never let the other person know I listened to their response then I am not communicating. My words came out like it was “Wa wa wa, blah blah blah.” And that’s probably what the other person thought I was hearing when she spoke out.

Yes, I Hear You
So a key lesson in all the years of talking to get my point across, I want to say that listening is the first step to speaking better. Because if you want someone else to listen to you then you need to let that person know you are listening to them. Acknowledge their points. Before saying your point of view, tell the other person how you understand what they are saying.

Listen and they will understand
When I start showing my sincere interest in others, they sincerely listen and tune into the conversation. I do that with my friends, my family, and my customers. So I’ll “hear” you next time and hopefully I’ll make sense.