Words Matter: Learn How to Listen, Think & Speak -

‘Words have power, choose yours carefully.’

Listening skills:

Listening is hearing a sound and paying close attention to that sound giving it your undivided focus. So, in a conversation, this means making an effort to hear what the individual is saying. You need to be attentive when listening.

There are obviously things that can distract you like loud noises or inside thoughts that are on your mind. When speaking to someone, it is polite to show you are attentive. Demonstrate interest in what they are saying. This interest can be shown in a few ways. For example, ask a question based off what you have just heard. You can also voice your opinion or thoughts on what has been said.

This is a skill that takes time, effort and willingness to learn and master. Listening is a useful skill as it helps you to over time observe and understand people better. It shows restraint and self-control. Instead of immediately jumping into the conversation heatedly, you can sit back and observe by listening. Then, respond in a composed manner.

Thinking skills:

This also brings into practice to learn how to think. Now, I know that sounds silly but it is incredibly important. We have all heard the saying, ‘think before you speak.’ Often, this is commonly associated with arguments. It can also come into effect within important socials like meetings.

This happens when something arises that brings negativity. It affects you specifically or someone close to you. Anger boils up and explodes out of the mouth. But if we were to tame the tongue by rationalizing first in our minds, we could hold back emotions. That way, anger might sit and simmer down. Then, we can effectively communicate. We always have control over our speech. The sound or words we hear travels through the ears to the mind. Then, we process it. We have the choice to react to it.

Speaking skills: Your Words Matter

Your voice matters, believe it or not. How you feel matters.

Some are well-practised in the art of communication. But as we have learned communication works both ways; it is a give and take. Both people must learn to listen, to think and to speak. It seems so simple but let’s be honest, it doesn’t always work that way.

Have you ever been having a conversation and realised that it was one-way?

Meaning, you’re being more talked at than listened to. Or, it might be the other way around. You might be talking freely and in a flow. Meanwhile, the other person has barely managed to speak a single sentence without being interrupted. It is hard to actually have a conversation that way.

Of course, sometimes people are just venting their emotions on their close friends and family. But, we do need to have real conversations where each person feels valued, respected and listened to.

One way conversations

During a one-way conversation, a recipient will feel emotions like disappointment and rejection. But when they do, they don’t always voice this issue. They don’t voice it because of thoughts like ‘they won’t listen anyway.’ Using what has previously happened as a reminder.

People write people off quickly because of differences in opinions or feelings of being judged. It’s a hard cycle. But you shouldn’t have to feel the way you do, overlooked. You are just as important and your voice matters.

You have to practice self-love and being kind to yourself. If someone is making you feel a certain way, you can voice it. But, always think and take time before you speak so your mouth doesn’t run away from you.

Alternatively, take time out to distance yourself. It is always best to voice it in the end after a clear head. That is why your words matter. Not just in instances like this but in multiple scenarios. Communication matters, especially in our close relationships.

The Power of Words

We also are conscious that words matter and wonder what is the right way to say it. Words have the ability to build up or tear down, to encourage or discourage. Words paint pictures and build strong impacts on people.

When delivering a sentence to people, it matters how it is articulated. If it is spoken with a positive attitude and outlook, it will be well received. In contrast, speaking passively can create a negative atmosphere.

It is very important to show empathy when listening. We must hear what the other person is feeling. Another thing is to be open, respectful, patient, engaging and interested in the conversation.