13203: “Listen” Is “Silent” Spelled Sideways

Hey there, hero!

I’m well aware of at least one thing: I talk too much.

Believe me, it’s a challenge I’ve faced all my life.

And I actively want to listen better. Listen actively. Not just wait for others to stop talking so I can start.

I look for non-verbal clues to remind myself to listen…rather than talk.

And to listen is to be open to hearing what the other person is saying…

…meaning one has to be silent to be able to listen.

And of all things, a kid’s TV dinner from my childhood sprang to mind.

Once you hear the connection, does it all make sense? Can you use this as a reminder? Or do you not need my level of mental crutch? And are you old enough to remember the Libby’s commercial?? Let me know in the comments below.

SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts | YouTube Music | Spotify | Pandora | Amazon Music | iHeartRadio | TuneIn/Alexa | Podcast Index | Podcast Addict | Podchaser | Pocket Casts | Deezer | Listen Notes | Player FM | Overcast | Castro | Castbox | PodFriend | Goodpods

Want to be a better VO talent, actor or author? Here’s how I can help you…


Responses

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  1. Re: 13203: “Listen” Is “Silent” Spelled Sideways
    Sadly, I don’t recall that particular Libby’s commercial. I thought you were going to refer to the Libby’s Deep-Browned Beans commercial, voiced (I’m almost certain) by Sterling Holloway, who also voiced Winnie the Pooh for Disney.

  2. David,
    I have to watch myself in conversations as I tend to yack yack a bit.:)
    It’s a daily thing. I think many of us are so use to there being sound,
    when no one is speaking, or there’s a lull, us talkative ones try to fill the space with our talking; especially when the other party is not talkative or even quiet. We’re uncomfortable at times with the silence.

  3. David,
    When I am networking, I totally have to remind myself to let the person I am speaking with speak about themselves. That way I learn what they do and am able to ask pertinent questions to learn more about them. Invariably, they will in turn ask me what I do. It works for me.
    I remember the Libby’s commercial and I had to smile when I heard you repeat it. Thanks for my smile of the day!

    Mare

  4. It always amazes me when other people you speak to at networking meetings find you ‘interesting’ when all you have done is listen attentively to what they have been saying—in most cases, mainly talking about themselves! A helpful acronym to remind me to do this is always be “A.B.L.E”: Always Be Listening Enthusiastically! As Mary Zajac mentioned earlier, this focused attention almost invariably prompts a request to reciprocate 🙂