Listening skills

“One of the benchmarks of great communicators is their ability to listen — not just to what’s being said, but to what’s not being said as well. They listen between the lines.” ~ Laurie Buchanan

I’ve always been interested in how communication impacts our daily lives. Good listening skills are as essential to healthy relationships as good talk. Thankfully, I’m married to a guy who’s an outstanding, empathetic listener. (That’s him in the background of the photo above.) He’s not one of those people who starts talking before you’ve finished what you’re trying to say.

Listening carefully also improves your memory. When you focus on what someone is saying — and forget about yourself — you’re more likely to recall the details of the conversation later. Likewise, listening for “what’s not being said” is a skill that’s closely linked to empathy. To acquire it, pay close attention. ~CL

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