Listening

“Listening, not imitation, may be the sincerest form of flattery.” ~Dr. Joyce Brothers. How well do you listen? Are you intent or preoccupied?

I have to admit that I am not a good listener. I am a more visual person and would rather talk to someone face to face than on the phone. I need to see facial expressions and body language when I’m having a conversation in order to get the big picture. I love doing emails because I can see the words people are sending me and I can see the words that I’m sending them. I would rather read a book then listen to an audio book but again, I think that is because I’m a visual person.

Even when I’m talking to someone face to face, I’m not sure I am a good listener. I’m thinking about what I want to say so I don’t forget or I’m worried about what they are thinking about me and what I’m saying. If I’m with people that I don’t know, I feel unsure of myself and tend to focus on what I’m feeling instead of what they are saying. I guess I need to work harder on my listening skills.

Original image: 'My Listening Ears' http://www.flickr.com/photos/40257616@N00/1389750548 by: Niclas Lindh