Be Quiet and Listen | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Be Quiet and Listen

Respect and eye contact go a long way.

69
Be Quiet and Listen
http://workbetterindia.com/index.php

Recently I have been more and more aware of the fact that a lot of people lack certain conversational skills.

We have all been there, you are having a conversation with your friends, you start speaking, and before you are a sentence out you get interrupted and promptly ignored. Often it isn’t a matter of how loud you are speaking; it’s that people don’t try to listen. There are several things you can do to improve your conversations and relationships with your peers.


Maintain eye contact.

I have worked retail for a few years, and one thing I learned immediately is eye contact is key. If people don’t think you are paying attention to them why should they buy anything from you? This applies in everyday conversation as well. It is very discouraging to people when you don’t look at them when they are speaking. If you immediately start looking elsewhere, or worse, start using your phone, you display disinterest and disrespect. Eye contact builds trust and interpersonal relationships.

Speak in turns.

Everyone has something they want to say, if you are constantly speaking over others and not giving them a chance to speak you might as well be speaking to yourself. Often I see where an individual will start talking and others will start their own conversation. This leaves the individual talking to them self, and feeling ignored. Sometimes we have the conversational white knight that hears the person is cut off and ignored, then loudly restated what they were saying and asks them to continue. You’re the real MVP.

Actually listen.

So sometimes this one is hard. The person speaking to you might genuinely be droning on about something not pertinent to you in any way. If you do actually try in normal situations to listen to someone, you will learn more and not get caught in bad situations later. It’s always “fun” when you can say “yeah then Spiderman picked me up and we got popcorn,” and the person you’re speaking to says uh-huh…. yeah, sounds cool.

Show you care.

Don’t jump ship the first opportunity you get. Contribute to what someone says by speaking more about that. It shows you were listening and are interested in what they have to say. This makes people feel respected and appreciative. If you change topics the first chance you get it makes people question if you care or if you were paying attention at all.

Communication is only worth it if both people are listening.

Don’t waste somebody else’s time, or your own. Communicate effectively and respectfully.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Relationships

The Unwritten Rules Of "Talking"

What is "talking?" How does one "talk?"

4680
girl holding phone
NYCPRGIRLS

Now that it seems “talking” is the new way to date, and will stay that way until another idiotic term is used to describe the people who can’t settle down and just date someone, I feel as if it’s time to go over the unwritten rules of “talking.”

Rule 1. Having feeling without feeling.

Keep Reading...Show less
The Stages of Having FOMO in College
iamthatgirl.com

Are you one of those people that gets super upset when you miss out on anything? Well, you may have FOMO, or fear of missing out. In college it’s not hard to experience FOMO every once in a while. You just love doing everything and anything, so hen you have to miss out on something it's the worst possible thing in your mind. Whether you’re sick, have to work, or have so much work to do you could cry – FOMO will hit you hard in college.

Keep Reading...Show less
Vivien Leigh
Revelist

I've lived a whole 21 years with an RBF (Resting Bitch Face), so naturally, I go through most of these struggles on a daily basis.

And before you ask, yes I'm fine. No, I'm not mad. This is just my face, so take it or leave it! To those of you who have been #blessed with an RBF, you'll probably relate to these more than you'd like to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Iconic Duos: Timeless Legends

From Luke and Leia to Beyonce's twins...

774780
Luke and Leia from Star Wars, a iconic duo
Lucasfilm

“Name a more iconic duo... I'll wait." OK, well, if you insist. In no particular order, here's a list of 100 iconic duos that seem to be timeless.

SEE MORE: This Is The ICONIC Disney Sidekick You Are To Your BFF, According To Your Zodiac Sign

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

A Candid Letter to My Best Friends Ex

Because this is the real form of torture you deserve.

1376
middle finger
Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash

What's up Asshat,

I've composed a list of things that I wish upon you, and they're harsh and cruel. These things are things that I wouldn't wish upon my worst of enemies, not even that Starbuck's barista who always screws up my order, not even him. You fall into a whole other category of hate. You surpass Starbucks barista. Congratulations, I'm actually a pretty nice person, making you worthy of every single bit of torture I wish upon you. What are these things I wish upon you you might ask?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments