Page 25 - September 2019

Are you listening

to me, Charlie

Brown? ???

The most important
Let the other person finish—Do not interrupt thing in communication is hearing what isn’t
other people when they are talking. Look for said.—Peter Drucker

a pause indicating they are finished and are
expecting you to respond. Be careful not to Indicate you are listening—Nod your head, say
respond too quickly as the pause may be a pause “yes” when the speaker is providing points, stop
to catch their breath. the speaker and ask them to expand on a point

if it’s unclear.
Be present in the moment—Don’t be thinking
about your own thoughts, solutions, agendas, LISTEN and SILENT are spelled with the same
and intentions to influence while the other letters. Think about it—The Mind Unleashed

person is talking. Don’t be thinking about what
you are going to say, or how you are going to A good leader speaks from his/her heart, not
respond while you are listening to them. from their mind. The same is true for listening.
Be visually attentive—Don’t be looking at A good leader listens from his/her heart, not

your computer, phone, papers, or around the from their mind. Use your mind to formulate an
room when the other person is talking. They intelligent and sincere response.
need to see you giving your undivided attention. Jim (Jimmy) Dent joined Toastmasters in April 2010.
Listen to understand the idea—Do not listen He is a member of two online clubs, and 4 regular clubs.

just to the facts, listen to understand the central He has also served as Area Governor 3 times and
idea or central theme. Ask probing questions several other district roles. He has earned his DTM
to better understand the central idea or central twice and expects to earn his Pathways DTM in the
theme. The speaker may not be articulating next 6 months.

the idea clearly at first. Ask questions to ensure
you truly understand what the speaker’s idea
or issue is. “If I understand you correctly, your
concern is. . . ”

VOICES! | SEPTEMBER 2019 25