Sorry, What Was That...?
by Linda Tarrant

More Information About the Author: Click Here for the Linda Tarrant Home Page

Studies show that North American’s are terrified of public speaking. Yet from the moment you were born, people were talking to you and impatiently waiting for you to say those first precious words. All through school we are taught to use proper grammar and enunciate correctly. There was a lot of emphasis on talking. Some of us liked talking so much that we became "Professional Speakers". We can hardly wait to leap up on the stage and tell our stories. We continuously try to improve our skills. We join organizations where we can meet and learn from other great speakers and we recognize and bestow honors upon those among who are masters of the craft. Whenever and wherever we get together, we TALK!

So, why do we think that we would be any good at listening? Do we spend the same energy and resources to develop our listening and talking skills? Do we study, practice and evaluate our performance? Do we value good listeners? Do organizations identify listening as a core competency and do they reward it appropriately? Here is a questionnaire to rate your progress toward becoming a PL (Professional Listener). Check the statements that apply to you.

Listening Activities:

• I listen and talk with the same intensity and frequency.
• I listen to others in meetings before I give my comments.
• I don’t multi-task when I’m listening to someone.
• People seek me out as a listener.
• I get repeat business because I’m such a good listener.
• If I got paid for listening, last year I would have made a lot of money.

Skill Development:

• I attend meetings and courses to learn ways to continuously improve my listening skills.
• I hang around people who are good listeners.
• I practice listening every day.
• I ask for feedback on my listening skills.
• When given feedback, I don’t kill the messenger.

Testimonials:

• My family members often tell me what a good listener I am.
• My co-workers often say, "Gosh, you’re a good listener".
• No one ever says, "are you listening?"
• When people talk about me, they usually mention my willingness to listen.

Some of us are really good at listening, but most of us could hone our craft a bit. Listening is hard work and it takes a lot of practice. There isn’t a "Certified Listening Professional" award, but there are great rewards for highly skilled amateur competitors. Come to practice and see how good you can get.