Sunday Saying – What Did You Say?

“I know that you believe you understand what you think I said, but I’m not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant.” (Robert McClosky, children’s author)

Everyone talks about being a good listener, but no one does anything about it.  Know what I mean? Do you really?

We think we are good listeners, but we are not.  We say we know the listening skills, but we don’t.  When I did a Google search for “good listener” I got 9.7 million responses.   The first few pages had lots of the same advice – you can probably tell me the advice:

1. Focus on the other person

2. Look at the person

3. Reframe the message – say, “I think I heard you say this…”

4. Ask for clarification

5. Use body language to signal your receptiveness

… and more …

Is there really anyone who has used these techniques effectively? Does anyone really listen?  What do you think?

Image source: sxc.hu