Do you want people to like talking to you? Here’s something to think about.

Earl Nightingale passed along the following story:

The Late Bennett Cerf told of a college professor, much admired in his field, who would often invite his more promising students to his home for informal get-togethers. On one occasion, an eager sophomore asked, “Professor, what’s the secret of the art of good conversation?”

The professor held up an admonishing finger and said, “Listen.”

After along minute had passed, the sophomore said, “Well, I’m listening.”

And The professor said, “That is the secret.”

One more good quote.

The reason that there are so few good conversationalists is that most people are thinking about what they are going to say and not about what the others are saying.

-Francois de La Rochefoucauld

It has also been said that we have two ears and one mouth, and that we should use them in that proportion.

All of these are just good reminders that we should listen a little more.