Comments on: Listen Up! Part I: Learning the Manly Skill of Paying Attention

By: Lisa

Lisa — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 17:42:44 +0000

Great article! My husband is one of teh best listeners I have ever met, which means that people naturally gravitate toward him. One caveat though : “…listening does not mean that you need to rush in and “fix” whatever she might be telling you.”
Well… it might. I am a fixer, and if I am complaining about something it means I haven’t been able to find a solution on my own. I would suggest asking your partner nicely which it is that day!

By: Mike

Mike — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 01:41:08 +0000

A very comprehensive guide to listening, a skill that most of us know we need to improve on. But it can smooth out edges of a relationship for sure

By: John

John — Sun, 20 May 2012 07:41:16 +0000

Great article! I like the benefits you listed and how you broke them down. I’ve found in my life at some point they all came up. Now I try to be an active listener because when I talk I expect the same in return. Going to read Part II.

By: Derrick

Derrick — Sun, 13 May 2012 20:28:43 +0000

Don, the best way to hone your listening skills is to constantly apply them. Apply what you’ve learned, check your performance and then adjust accordingly so you are constantly getting better.

By: Sean Connolly

Sean Connolly — Fri, 11 May 2012 18:18:19 +0000

Where can I learn more about the “Rogerian Method”? I had heard of the techniques described above, but not called by that name.

By: Tony

Tony — Mon, 07 May 2012 16:18:38 +0000

Theresa: Bravo for wanting to teach your children to listen well while they are still young! Because I teach high school sophomores and seniors I am accustomed to translating concepts into activities for students much older than your children. However, “practice makes perfect” is a solid concept no matter what the age of the learner. So here’s what I would suggest (although I confess there are probably others who would be much more qualified to suggest activities for children your age). While they might be a bit young for some of the more cognititve-heavy aspects of good listening habits, they are definiately at an age where they can practice focusing on a message and summarizing it. To make it fun, choose something they enjoy – cartoons, movies, books – and have them listen to the whole story without interupting to talk or play with something. When it’s over, have them explain it back to you. Ask them questions to help them hone it on the important details rather than relating back the story in its entirety. That allows them to practice the habit of not interupting and checking for understanding by summarizing. As they get older, you can get more involved with the body language and the response portions of listening. Hope that helps!

By: Iain Goodart

Iain Goodart — Mon, 07 May 2012 11:05:42 +0000

Great article. I am excited to hear the rest in the series. I was having a conversation with a friend the other day. He talks and talks and labours his point and when it comes to my turn to say something he talks right over what I am saying. When I asked him he said he does it to ‘help me understand his perspective’ instead of listening. I see this happening in schools too.

By: J Vann

J Vann — Mon, 07 May 2012 03:51:55 +0000

Great article, many people don’t listen these days. Listening can make you smarter, make life easier and help you to recall important events when you need them. Looking foward to part II.

By: Logan

Logan — Mon, 07 May 2012 02:19:03 +0000

Awesome article, I’m very excited to read the next segment. I always strive to be a better listener, rather than just waiting for my chance to talk. The benefits are amazing!

By: Sean Taitt

Sean Taitt — Sun, 06 May 2012 21:37:03 +0000

This is so true. As a therapist, listening is a majority of the battle. Don asked how to hone in on listening, the best way is to let the speaker finish, process your thought, then continue…