Listening

Listening comes first in LSRW i.e., listening, speaking, reading and writing. Though it comes first, very few follow it, effective listening has its advantages. It gives immense benefit in communication; one can enhance collection of information and gather knowledge and encourages the speaker to come out with the best there by build relationships in the society.

I know of some who are good in cutting conversations, they thrust their opinions on others, and would like the others to follow the conversation rather than listen to others. Not only are they poor listeners, but also lose out on listening and may not grasp the whole thing.

There should be give and take in listening, you appreciate and encourage their feelings, and you strengthen your bond with them. They trust you immensely than who show indifferent attitude to listening. You can be a role model to others in the art of listening.

Listening comes in crying over a shoulder in distress, supports one’s emotions while sharing grief, as one needs to have patient listeners. Just the thought of unburdening oneself helps in overcoming grief and stress.

This skill needs to be encouraged from the early childhood- it helps in schooling, later in communicating with peers, in profession, in courts and especially in counseling sessions. . While working in teams, listening enhances mutual understanding of team members and the problems can be resolved easily. This cooperation brings success.
In life also there is no specific dictum that one should always listen to elders, it can be the other way also.

It is true that one can get a good feedback of one’s good and bad side.
“A wise old owl sat on an oak; the more he saw the less he spoke; the less he spoke the more he heard; why aren’t you like that wise old bird?”