Listen well
Effective listening can be a truly powerful way to express yourself. When you wish to say something in the best way possible, take the time and make the effort to listen first.
Communication is most effective when it is a two-way, interactive process. Listen carefully, thoughtfully, attentively, with focus on what is being said and on who is saying it. Listen not only with your ears, but also with your knowledge, your intuition, your compassion and your genuine desire to understand. Listen well, and create a powerful connection with those to whom you listen.
Truly seek to understand, and you’ll be much better able to make yourself understood. Listen well, and you’ll learn the most effective way to say whatever you have to say.
The most well-chosen words come from first using your ears before you ever open your mouth. Listen, really listen, and you’ll have plenty of valuable things to say.
— Ralph Marston
