The Forgotten Art of Listening

For salespeople, negotiators, or ordinary people just trying to make a point, the 70/30 Rule can make all the difference. -Ed Brodow

What is the 70/30 Rule? It is just as simple as you listen 70% of the time and talk 30% of the time. But normally we used to talk, talk and only talk in any conversation. We intend to interrupt others people conversation when there is something we know and interested about. Yes, we do love to share but we forget about our listening skills.

Communication problems or miscommunication often popped out when we stop listening to others. To gain a better conversation, we should try to be patient, listen to others emotions and voices. Do not be too aggressive if we listen to certain words, try to let others finished their sentences before we speak.

I found out that many parents seldom listen to their children. They nag for an hour but do not let their children voice out their needs and problems. They want their children be the children they want them to be like. As time goes by, the children ignore the voices from their parents, they shut their door, the bonding between the relationship is getting looser, and now the gap is getting bigger. The childrens know their voices are never been accepted by the elders, so they choose not to speak but voice out in another manner silently.

We all need to be listened. So please be a good listener first. This is a kind of respect to others and ourselves. =)

~ Talk less Listen more ~

Your fallen angel,

Lok Yee Wei