Whenever you're around a significant person, keep your mouth shut except to ask penetrating questions! If you’re with those who know more than you, pick their brains, and take advantage of what they have. Let them do most of the talking and tell you what they know. It never ceases to amaze me how many times the resources God has placed in our lives are wasted. Every time you cross paths with another person, think of it as a divine appointment, arranged by God Himself. Ask yourself- what am I to learn from this or what am I to give to this connection? Ask questions and listen. Go to almost every educational facility and a speech course is offered . But I have yet to see a course offered on listening. Listening is so very important. It is the first step to civility. Establish commonality before you try to communicate. How are we in common? The more in common, the better the communication. It has 3 essential components. Something I know and believe.... Something I feel .... don’t rely on words alone. How deeply do you feel? Excitement! Something I am doing..... examples A good leader is also a great listener. The art of listening is punctuated with the art of questioning. Learn to ask probing questions and to actually listen, not just hear the answers. You just may learn something, or at the very least you may find a connection to the reason you are speaking to each other. Life is like a huge tapestry with so many yarns being tied together, to later be enjoyed as the masterpiece as it is turned over to see the outcome. God is connecting you in His desire to make you His treasure. Listen for His steady voice in the midst of the confusion and the continual ongoing stretch for new relationships. Learn how to make people feel they are being heard. Learn to understand both words and feelings. Respond only when you have heard what the other has said. These are keys to successful communication and will establish relationships as people want people to listen to them. Learning is so important and should be a lifetime endeavor.