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.