"Understanding that we
are all more powerful than we know -- that we are all connected to something
bigger than ourselves -- is the real conversation I want to have. In many ways,
it is the only conversation, I believe, truly worth having," Oprah Winfrey
The first person that came to mind when I think of effective
communication is Oprah Winfrey. The quote simply states it all. For twenty six
years Oprah Winfrey has hosted her own internationally talk show. She has had
the opportunity to interview and communicate with individuals from all over the
world and all circuits of life experiences. Within these twenty six years Ms. Winfrey
has build relationships and shared them with us all. She has manifested into
one of the best communicators that the world publicly knows. Over the years she
has communicated to me that conversations or more that just words but a deeper
meaning of understanding others and yourself. Not only does she communicate
effectively with those that she interviews or communicates with but she
provides inspiration and knowledge that is essential to their daily living that
many can relate to.
Observing her style of communication she provides an environment
that is welcoming first and is open to listening to the thoughts and comments
of others. Very seldom have I ever seen her over talk someone or force her
thoughts on others. She’s allows one to speak and be heard. For these reasons I
believe is why she has been so successful. She
has actually allowed the openness of speaking and being heard along with the comfortability
to do so. Like Ms. Winfrey I want others to feel comfortable with speaking with
me because I am going to allow them to speak and be heard. Often times the only
thing some people need is to be heard without others passing judgment and or
speaking over them. Like Ms. Winfrey displays effective listening skills I too
want to learn to be an effective listener. Effective listening skills are a key
component to effectively communicating with others.
So true, so true! If we were all better listeners I believe so many conflicts could be avoided! I too hope to improve this skill throughout this course.
ReplyDeleteThe problem I seem to have when "communicating" with young children is failing to really listen to what they are saying because I get impatient or frustrated, but you are right - most of the time, they just want someone to listen; we all do. Thanks
I agree, Oprah Winfrey is a phenomenal communicator! She seems to have a great understanding about people. She knows when and how to listen and when and how to speak. Listening is sometimes more important than speaking.
ReplyDeleteI think one of the most important aspects and one that is quite often overlooked is the ability to listen and listen intently without forming your own response while the other person is talking (which is something I often do...yes, I'm guilty). She is a person who not only speaks exceptionally well but also exercises the skill of listening to the thoughts of others.
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