Strategy for People
The only way to entertain some folks is to listen to them. –Kin Hubbard
The Need for Balance
Somewhere we know that without silence, words lose their meaning, that without listening, speaking no longer heals, that without distance closeness cannot cure. –Henri Nouwen
Basic Requirements for Communication
Two men were talking one day. One of them said, “My wife talks to herself a lot.” His friend answered, “Mine does, too, but she doesn’t know it. She thinks I’m listening.”
Family Plot
President Franklin D. Roosevelt got tired of smiling that big smile and saying the usual things at all those White House receptions. So, one evening, he decided to find out whether anybody was paying attention to what he was saying. As each person came up to him with extended hand, he flashed that big smile and said, “I murdered my grandmother this morning.” People would automatically respond with comments such as “How lovely!” or “Just continue your great work!” Nobody listened to what he was saying, except one foreign diplomat. When the president said, “I murdered my grandmother this morning,” the diplomat responded softly, “I’m sure she had it coming to her.”
Attention Span
The attention span of a typical human is ten praises, six promises, or one preachy statement. –Jocco Grand
Listen While Shut
It’s impossible for a worthwhile thought to enter your mind through an open mouth.
Fringe Benefit
Good listeners are not only popular everywhere, but after a while they know something.
Hearing May Not Be the Problem
Jed Harris, producer of Our Town and other plays, became convinced he was losing his hearing. He went to a specialist, who gave him a thorough checkup. The doctor pulled out a gold watch and asked, “Can you hear this ticking?” Harris said, “Of course.” The specialist walked to the door and held up the watch again. “Now can you hear it?” Harris concentrated and said, “Yes, I can hear it clearly.” The doctor walked out the door into the next room and said, “Can you hear it now?” Harris said, “Yes.”
The doctor said, “Mr. Harris, there is nothing wrong with your hearing. You just don’t listen.”
Listening at a Premium
Patricia Goldman, the vice chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board, tells a story about a stewardess who, frustrated by passenger inattentiveness during her what-to-do-in-an-emergency talk at the beginning of each flight, changed the wording and said, “When the mask drops down in front of you, place it over your navel and continue to breathe normally.” Not a single passenger noticed.