This time of year our children start back to school. An important skill that students need to utilize to get good grades is listening. But all of us, from time to time, may need to be reminded how important listening is.
 Most of us realize that listening is a skill. But as part of that skill, do you know what active listening means?
 When you perform active listening you are actually asking questions to clarify what you have just heard. After someone has finished speaking, you may then say something like, so what I heard you say was… (paraphrasing what you heard)…is that right?
 Being a good listener is good manners. Listening helps to build relationships by enabling us to better understand others and to show that we care and respect them. It is a critical tool in business, as well as in our personal relationships.
 
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More Power in Listening
 Someone once said: “A conversation is a verbal competition in which the one catching his breath is called the listener.” In communication, the person speaking is often viewed as having the power or control of the conversation. Is this true?
An important realization is that although there may be power in speaking, there may be even more power in listening.
The act of listening is often viewed as a somewhat passive act. However, it is not!
By listening to someone, you are better able to understand that person because you have now heard what is important to them and are better able to address their concerns.
Listening is a skill most of us may work on daily, in order to build and maintain professional and personal relationships.
 
The Charleston School of Protocol and Etiquette specializes in teaching confidence, helping people handle life’s events and changes with style, savvy and polish. They offer seminars and consulting services in business etiquette, and medical office protocol.
 www.charlestonschoolofprotocol.com.