The best talker is a good listener. Why is this so?
Everyone wants to be listened to, they love to be heard, you know.
So, if we want to be listened to, by loved ones and those we meet,
Listen with full intent, to each soul that we greet.
The next part of talking is to choose our own words well.
Bring out your own thoughts carefully and be patient with those who fail.
Pray and ask for guidance to know what we should say.
The Holy Ghost can guide us who listen and obey.
Encourage those who share with us by questions to learn more:
Like, “Tell me more.” “What happened next? or “What made you feel so sore?”
When talking with family or friends, or a stranger along the way,
A listening mind and hearing heart serves us well each day.
A simple recipe on how much to talk is 1/2 when two are there,
1/3 if 3, 1/4 if 4, and less is best to others caught in sorrow, hate or fear.
The best talker is a patient and kind listener, remember this and grow,
For we can be a truer friend when we listen with heart, mind and soul.
James 3:3-5, 13. Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, withersoever the governor listeth. Even so the tongue is a fire…Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? Let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
For a 3 minute video illustrating this concept in the context of a family, go to
LDS.org
and then type in “Parenting:touching the hearts of youth” in the search bar.
