You see, in order to really listen to what others are trying to communicate, you must stop talking! You can’t really listen and talk at the same time. That’s a sure-fire way to miss important facts and details.
Sometimes when I speak to people, I can see that they’re in such a hurry for their turn to respond or add their comments, that they aren’t really digesting what I’m trying to tell them. They need to learn how to slow down, and stop being in such a hurry to answer. Then they’ll be able to hear what is being communicated to them all the way to the end of the conversation
When you withhold your comments and force yourself to listen to people, you are showing respect for them. The time for you to speak up or ask your questions is after the other person is finished talking. Proverbs 18:13 says, “He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.”
So learn to withhold your comments while others speak. Give yourself the opportunity to hear the entire matter before you respond. Slow your mind down. Discipline your emotions to be quiet. Keep your mouth closed while others are making their point. Then once you have fully heard what they have to say, respond. This is all part of learning how to be a good communicator!
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
– James 1:19
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