what it is to truly listen

Nonverbal language reveals a lot more than what a person may be choosing to say. Verbal language and nonverbal language work hand in hand when you communicate with someone, and if you're nonverbal language doesn't seem to go along with your verbal language, it can be easily picked up on. I like to pay attention to people when I'm talking to them so I can pick up on their nonverbal cues, that way I can see if they are really interested in what I'm saying. Whenever I think of listening and communication, I refer back to a quote I feel is very truthful.


Narrator: When people think you're dying, they really, really listen to you, instead of just...
Marla Singer: - instead of just waiting for their turn to speak?
-Fight Club


How often when you are having a conversation, do you realize that you are waiting for the other person to finish their sentence so you can speak? Do people really listen to you when you are talking to them or are they rushing to get their thoughts out? Listening is a part of communication that I feel that everyone could use a little work on. What it truly means to listen is to pay attention to what the person is saying, take it in, and be able to empathize with them.

Communication: then and now!

Communication has not always been an easy thing for me. Going back in my memory I can recall having to give a speech in front of my fifth grade classmates, and a full auditorium, and I had completely blanked out. How embarrassing!! Since then, I have been able to refine my communication skills while overcoming my fear of public speaking. I believe the most helpful challenge I've had to face regarding communication has been job interviews. I've only participated in a handful of interviews, but afterwards I can always tell what my strengths and weaknesses in my communication are.



My method of communication has changed tremendously over time. Probably more than half of my daily communication happens over computer or cellphone (more specifically, text messaging). There has even been a whole new language created for the internet/text messaging crowd. This new text message lingo has dominated the American public, primarily teenagers and young people.