Rensselaer Republican, Volume 27, Number 46, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 July 1896 — Listening. [ARTICLE]

Listening.

In discussing the art of conyersatior nearly all the attention is given to what Is said. The matter and the manner of our words, the motives which prompt them, the wisdom which chooses them, their probable effects for good or for evil, receive and deserve much scrutiny. Comparatively little notice is taken of the other half of couveraltlou, which consists in listening. It is usually regarded as a simple passive condition, needing no particular effort, and. therefore, no special consideration. Like a vessel which merely holds the liquid poured Into It. the listener is supposed for the time to l»e only receptive, all his active faculties being reserved for the‘time when he comes to reply. The common phrase, “having nothing to do but listen,” betrays the small respect paid to the act. and the slight effort It is thought possible to put into It. Thus It happens that, as no one is systematically taught and trained to listen, we have few really good listeners among us, and, for want of them, much good speaking is absolutely wasted. For listening is an nrt, having as many grades and qualities its any other, ami, until this is recognized, the value o( conversation must be wfdly limited.