Listening is a crucial skill that we all need to develop. In my role as an English tutor teaching English to Asian students, listening is a skill that many of them struggle with. Now, of course, they are learning a new language. But at what level of competency is our listening skill? Have we, who have English as the native tongue, mastered this skill?

Our role here at Wealthy Affiliate raises an important series of questions. We all rely on technology to build our online business. More and more, people lament the affect technology is having on our ability to connect with others, especially face-to-face.

What about you? Has today's fast paced society caused you to overlook the vital role that the listening skill plays in our life? Has your use of technology lessened or enhanced your ability to listen? Do you find yourself relegating this skill to second place or lower?

Why Listening is a Crucial Skill

Mark Twain said, "If we were supposed to talk more than we listen, we would have two tongues and one ear." Now we can smile at his comment and almost brush it away. But more and more, business success stories are attributing some of their achievements and acumen to the ability to listen to others.


Richard Branson - We All Know Who He Is


In an interview with Entrepreneur.com and their readers, Richard Branson was asked what makes a business leader stand out from others. His reply?

"If you want to stand out as a leader, a good place to begin is by listening. Any organization's best assets are its people, and if you are ready to help the team to achieve its goals, you can start gathering information on how to move things along just by paying attention to what employees are saying.

"This skill will help you throughout your career. Leaders who are great listeners are often terrific at uncovering and putting in place strategies and plans that have a big impact."

In a recent Twitter post, Mr Branson also said,

"Listen: it makes you smarter. It’s a simple statement, but one that is all too often overlooked. Nobody ever learned anything from listening to themselves speak. The only way we can grow is by learning new things from other people."

So what, then, is listening? How would you define the skill. Page 2 has the answer...






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ConeyM Premium
Thanks for sharing. I will remember these tips especially #3.Very informative.
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Funkydunc208 Premium
So glad it have you benefit. Even if we just improve one of the 10, it will improve our interactions with others.
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AlfredLai Premium
Great training! I very enjoy your tips. Thank you very much!
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Funkydunc208 Premium
It is a pleasure. Glad you did.
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RickBell57 Premium
Wow...I think I just realized my problem. I'm missing these 10 techniques!

Thank you.
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Funkydunc208 Premium
Surely not all of them. We all have some to work on.
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rconnor1967 Premium
More listening would change things on a world level!
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Funkydunc208 Premium
That is so true. But unfortunately, greed and selfishness rules and so listening does enter their minds.
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stephhill Premium Plus
Hi Duncan!

Great training. I enjoyed it and it is an excellent reminder on how we all can improve our listening skills. I know that is something I too am working on.

Steph
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Funkydunc208 Premium
Reminders always reassure us that growth in our lives will bring outstanding results. Improving our listening skill enhances all our relationships. I am glad you enjoyed it, Steph.
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