Hello, mi neighbour! | Listen, and listen well!

Hello, mi neighbour!

Slow down and listen. If you do not listen, you may ‘mishear’. Mishearing leads to misunderstanding, misinterpretation, misconclusion, and sometimes misery. We should not jump the gun because we think we know what the person is going to say. Oh, they always say it that way? Wrong, wrong, wrong approach to communication. Yes, we are able to anticipate what the others are about to say, but we should never make the mistake to base important decisions on that. So, listen and listen attentively.

When all is said and done, it might not be easy for some persons to listen attentively because of the speed at which life is moving, things are happening, and the allotted time given for decision-making. “Action time”! They say. Check your speed still – speed sometimes lead to devastating sudden stops. Often, the faster we try to get the job done is the longer it takes, if it is done any at all.

Tom could have sworn that he should have picked up his sister-in-law at 1 ½ Sutton Street. That was what he thought he heard from his wife as he sped away. To compound the problem, he forgot his phone at home and could not turn back for it because he had to pick her up and drop her off to get to his very important business meeting. Where does he go from here? Sutton Street doesn’t have #1 ½. Stress is rising, blood pressure is elevating, and time is flying. Please pray for him … . She had actually said “Sundown Street”.

What if he had taken the extra few seconds just to listen?

The above, and many other circumstances, has taught us that listening is very important to our relationships, business transactions and planning. We are aware that it is very critical that important information should be put in writing, but there are times when this may not be convenient, and so listening is all that we have to rely on in the moment. So, listen, and listen well!

What are some of the hard facts that speak to the criticality/importance of attentive listening?

It helps to build trust, strengthen and stablise relationships. Nothing sweeter than knowing that you have the full attention of your partner as you share your encounter at the workplace or as you drove home this afternoon.

When it comes to misunderstanding prevention or conflict resolution, attentive listening can certainly save time and money. Hope you’re listening to me.

Attentive listening improves communication and ensures that messages are conveyed accurately and effectively. So, as you communicate your message, make sure that you are listening to the body language of the audience, even as they listen to you.

Renowned authors and researchers of effecting listening will tell us that, to listen effectively, we must give the speaker our undivided attention by putting away distractions like phones and focusing on the speaker. I remember trying to counsel a young couple a while back and, despite our coaxing, she would not put her texting on pause. Such indiscipline! Their relationship did not last. Getting the message, guys?

They say that we should maintain eye contact. Eye contact shows that you’re engaged and interested in the conversation. And I add, if you are visually impaired, make ‘mind contact’ … just stay connected.

We should also paraphrase and summarise. Repeat what you’ve understood, to ensure accuracy and show that you’re engaged. Encourage the speaker to share more by asking open-ended questions.

If you are still listening – and I hope you are, practise mindfulness. Mindfulness practices, like meditation, can help you become more present and attentive in conversations. Put away distractions. Turn off your phone, TV, and other distractions, to focus on the speaker.

And I must GO. Time does not permit me to spend any more time on this page.

Keep on listening. Those who listen will hear what they need to hear. Those who don’t listen will hear what they want to hear … .

Please help someone with an item from list below

1. Stove

2. Refrigerator

3. Bed

4. Food

5. Medication

6. Financial assistance to start a little business

To help, please call Silton Townsend @ 876 649-9636 or 876 884-3866. Contact email: helloneighbour@yahoo.com. Visit hellomineighbourja.blogspot.com. Townsend exclusively manages the collections and distributions mentioned in this column and is neither an employee nor agent of The Gleaner.