Do you have trouble hearing or listening?

“Do you have trouble hearing?” asked a teacher of a boy who sat dreamily at his desk.  “No,” replied the student politely, “I have trouble listening.” 

The ability to listen well is not inherited.  To listen well requires a conscious, disciplined effort.  That effort must be practiced daily.

Good Listener Discipline:

1.      Determination and desire are required.

2.      The urge to interrupt must be suppressed.

3.      Patience to let the other person finish speaking must be developed.

4.      A respect for the other must be exhibited.

5.      The good listener is concerned about the speaker’s feelings.

The home and the community can be improved by better listening habits.