Real success in all spheres of life depends on how good a listener you are. It is only by
listening that we connect, comprehend, cooperate, empathize and develop as human
beings. It is fundamental to any meaningful relationship – personal, professional or political.
Good communicators are careful listeners. They are ready to listen to opposing views, they
are interested in studying unknown facts and they are eager to learn about life. Effective
communicators really know the difference between listening and hearing. To listen means
to pay attention to what someone is saying while to hear is used when a sound is being
made, using your ears. When you take the time to listen to your partner, they will feel
appreciated and valued, and they are ready to interact. Truly listening to someone is a skill
many seem to have forgotten or, perhaps, never learned in the first place. People are
surrounded by vast networks of friends, relatives, colleagues who want to tell their stories
and not ready to listen to the others. Ernest Hemingway`s position on this issue reveals the
reason of loneliness. To combat the phenomenon the outstanding American writer said
“most people never listen; when people talk, listen completely”.
Personally, I think I am an actual listener not only due to my studies, but also I am a real
listener by nature. All my life I have been striving to be successful in this skill. I am actively
involved in the relevant activities described above. I always try to seize any opportunity to
listen to wiser people, as well as to improve my concentration on major things.