Shutting up is one of my most difficult skills. Not talking and listening to others is a skill set that I was not born with. I have had to work at it. I tend to be a talker and storyteller (and I’m usually entertaining though I recognize I am at times obnoxious and self-centered). I have to make a conscious decision to listen to other people’s stories. But I do because I’ve learned that, one it can be interesting, two, it makes people feel good to have you listen to them, and three, making people feel good makes me feel good and, it is, after all, all about me feeling good!

When I do media training I tell participants that shutting up is a strategic skill. When I give talks about communications I tell people it’s important to know when to shut up.

This past Friday night I hosted my wife’s big 50th birthday bash. I realize I did more talking than listening. I’ll excuse myself though, since I was in the hyper host mode (though really having fun at it).

But the more Blogenberg remembers to shut up, the better communicator Blogenberg will be.

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