Effective Listening
In Toastmasters our primary focus is on speaking, particularly public speaking. Listening is the other side of the coin in communication, without which real communication cannot take place. The Chinese character for “Listening” is evolved from the pictograph since the days of cavemen embodies the four key elements.EAR ----耳 十目----TEN EYES 聽 KING ----王 一心 ---- ONE HEART
The ancient Chinese wisdom on listening is encompassed in that one character. To listen effectively, the ear is king, but we also need to use ten eyes and above all, one heart. Therefore, to listen effectively requires that we:
- Remain fully present, physically, mentally, spiritually and energetically.
- Give the speaker space and time.
- Give intention of openness and safety.
- Suspend assumptions.
- Open our hearts to the learning process.
- Listen for new understanding that might be emerging.
- Listen for what is not said.
“Listening is not a skill; it is a discipline” ~ Peter Drucker~ George Yen, DTM, Candidate for 2nd Vice President |