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TOASTMASTER EDUCATION
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The Power of Listening

Applying Lessons from the 2023 Toastmaster International Convention

Nuchanath Aumpradithpun, DTM
Division H Area 96 Feedbackers Toastmasters

“Most people do not listen with the intent to teaches us, one competency makes me stand out
understand; they listen with the intent to reply.” from the other speakers, listening empathically.
Stephen R. Covey Feedbackers Toastmasters Club teaches me to listen
deeply. Listening is an underrated skill, but one that
What is the best way to really seek to understand, to can pay off big time and improve your chances of
really listen to somebody? success.

One of my favorite moments of the 2023 In his book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective
Toastmasters International Convention held on People, Stephen Covey writes about what empathic
August 16-19 in the tropical destination of Nassau, listening is, what it is not, why it’s important, and
Bahamas, was the opening address by the Prime how empathic listening is used in our daily lives to
Minister of the country, Philip Davis, a long time seek to understand others. Find out what Stephen
Toastmaster member himself who once served as Covey said about listening.
District Governor and has earned the Distinguished
Toastmaster Award. He cited three words “listen, “The essence of empathic listening is not that
think, and speak” as being at the heart of our you agree with someone; it’s that you fully,
Toastmasters organization. They are the refrain deeply, understand that person, emotionally
which served him well across his legal and political as well as intellectually. Empathic listening
careers. “It made me a better orator, a better involves much more than registering, reflecting,
representative, and a better leader,” concluded Prime or even understanding the words that are said.
Minister Davis. Communications experts estimate, in fact, that only
10% of our communication is represented by the
Of all the competencies Feedbackers Toastmasters words we say. Another 30% is represented by our

Prime Minister Philip Davis addresses the 2023 Toastmaster International Convention

6 ONE COMMUNITY