Effective communication requires you to become an engaged listener. That means changing the usual focus of trying to listen to decide what to say next. Listening well will help you understand the words being communicated, but a person needs to learn how to understand the emotions conveyed.

When you listen, you’ll hear more than just words; you will hear the feelings in someone’s voice and understand that more than terms are being communicated and how a person feels about those words are more important.

Listening this way lets the other person know they were heard and understood. Resulting in a better connection.

What is being communicated often has nothing to do with the words, and the real intention (motive) can be a concern if known.

Snakes have motives

Retired Rattlesnake Roadside-Romeo was on a dirt road in rural Arizona. On the other side of the road was a chicken.

So, he hollers, "Hey there! Babe! I don't usually talk with random chicks, but you should know I am a hundred years old. Do you want to know the secret to long life?"

The chicken is intrigued and asks, "Well, what is it? Tell me"

Roadside-Romeo replies, "What'd you say? Can't hear you."

The chicken says, "What is the secret to long life?"

Roadside-Romeo says, "What, babe? Whatcha sayin'?"

So, the curious chicken crossed the road.

And went near Roadside-Romeo's ear and yelled, "What is the secret to long life?"

Roadside-Romeo hissed and rattled and replied, "Oh!!! The secret is - Don't talk to strangers!"

And in one quick swoop, the snake pounced and swallowed the bird.

And smugly, he thought, "Amazing, I can still pick up chicks with that joke!"

“Effective Communication is not just for good guys.”

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