Theme of Discussion Zoom Meeting: Listening

Email: rgordon118@tampabay.rr.com

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Questions:

1. In a conversation, what are the characteristics of a good listener? More …

2. Without even hinting at the identity of the upsetting non-listener, how does this person aggravate you? If you could give that person one bit of advice – and she/he would listen – what would that advice be? What do you think motivates the reluctant listener?

3. What convinces you that someone is really listening to you?

4. Without identifying the person, what are the characteristics of someone you would most like to have a conversation with?

5. What makes people poor listeners?

6. Can you have a good, trusted friend who seldom really seems to be listening to you?

7. When you were a child, who do you recall in your family was an especially good listener? How did this person reflect good listening skills?

8. Are dogs better listeners as human companions than are cats? Why might it be an especially good idea for a lonely person, especially during times of pandemic and/or political stress to have a dog?

9. Do you learn more from being a good talker or a good listener?

10. What are the special challenges of being a good listener in troubled times?

11. Can you – and perhaps should you – be a great listener if you hope to be a political leader?

12. How can you tell in a conversation that someone is really listening to you or just waiting for the chance to get in her/his own two cents?

13. Why might you rather be known as a good listener than a good talker? Or a better talker than listener?

14. Do female physicians tend to be better listeners than male physicians?

15. How can you show a good friend that you are really listening to her as she discusses a serious problem with you?

Quotations:

1. “One of the most sincere forms of respect is actually listening to what another had to say.” – Bryant H. McGill

2. “I like to listen. I have learned a great deal from listening carefully. Most people never listen.” - -Ernest Hemingway

3. “There is a difference between listening and waiting for your turn to speak.” – Simon Sinek

4. “The biggest communication problem is we do not listen to understand. We listen to reply.”― Stephen R. Covey

5. “If you really want to connect, understand, or persuade, the most effective comment is an invitation to set up a time to talk via video or in person and then approach the conversation with curiosity and listening.”― Tania Israel

6. “It's dangerous listening to negative thoughts.”― Bert McCoy

7. “Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.”--Winston Churchill

8. “Never miss a good chance to shut up.”--Will Rogers

9. “It’s only through listening that you learn, and I never want to stop learning” Drew Barrymore

10. “You cannot truly listen to anyone and do anything else at the same time.”― M. Scott Peck

The End