Ask and Listen vs Know and Tell

When taling to others, most of us have a tendency to "know everything" and express this knowledge (regardless if it's real or made up on the spur of the moment).  When someone is talking to us, we will often say "I exactly
know what you mean," or similar coments, then many of us even cut in and tell our similar (or not even similar at all) story.

Another common communication handicap that we have is that we want to tell.  Some of us can talk and talk and those around us will wander "Will this guy ever stop to take a breath?"

Well, let's face it, when you know a lot, you want to share a lot; and for many of us there's no sweater sound than the sound of our own voice.  But ask yourself this: do you want to be known as the guy who never shuts up and has the listening skills of a two year old?  Or you want to come accross as a great communicator.

Surprisingly - or for some, not so surprisingly - you will be perceived as a great communicator if you actually speak less.  How about that?  Listening skills - as described in a previous post - come in different "collors" and are learned; and great listening skills are expressed by asking questions that relate to the topic the other person is talking about.

So here's your challenge for this week:  Instead of talking and "knowing," try listening and asking. 
For some this will be really easy, but for most of us this will be a real challenge.  But give it an honest try and attempt to make it a habit.  I guarantee that your communication with everyone around you and the quality of your relationships will improve considerably.

Till next time,

Great Socializing!