Learning to listen, not just hear has been one skill that has helped me through life.  Many listening skills also help in reading.  What makes a good listener? 

For me listening didn’t come easy. I wanted to agree or disagree too quickly.  I learned that to be a good listener, I need to look at and interact with the speaker; I need to think about what I hear and connect my ideas to any new ideas they share.

Through the years I have learned that I can learn much even from the most boring speaker and that when I take notes, I remember more.  Also, when I guess at what will be the next point I stay focused.  I have also learned through the years that I must plan ahead and take care of physical needs, tend to phone calls, clear my mind of duties, etc. or I don’t recognize the important “stuff.”