Don’t be boring…
“Bore, n.: A person who talks when you wish him to listen.”
Ambrose Bierce – Editor, Journalist, Writer
A few years ago, I watched a self-help video on how to “network’ a room and become an “influencer.” By following a few simple steps, I could be someone others would consider worthy of befriending. There were 10 tips, all of which I have forgotten, except for the first one. If you want people to listen to your ideas, don’t be boring. Our greatest fear appears to be that of looking dull and tiresome. We go to great lengths to be interesting and attract attention, whether through our appearance and dress, our professional titles, or through witty dialogue. In effect, we strive to be entertainers. Yet, there is an elegantly simple truism.
The listener is generally the most popular person in any crowd.
“A good listener is not only popular everywhere, but after a while he gets to know something.”
Wilson Mizner – Playwright, Raconteur, and Entrepreneur.
How very true and sound advice
February 27, 2013 at 10:54 pm
You are a master listener…that is why your stories are so refreshing….
February 27, 2013 at 11:02 pm
Do you know that is probably the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me!
February 28, 2013 at 7:05 am
You will see how right I am as you continue your journey….
February 28, 2013 at 12:27 pm
I am guessing there wasn’t much in the self help video about being a good listener! An ‘influencer’; why does that make me giggle and think of snake charmers?
February 27, 2013 at 11:05 pm
If I remember correctly, it was rather entertaining so it delivered on the first tip – don’t be boring. I really can’t recall the other 9 tips. It might have been that my listening skills were not in “peak condition.”
February 27, 2013 at 11:11 pm
Hehe! It’s hard sometimes though, to shut up, especially if you are with quiet/shy people you don’t know well… But this was a nice reminder, I very much wish to become a better listener
in “peak condition” always 
February 27, 2013 at 11:38 pm
February 27, 2013 at 11:40 pm
February 27, 2013 at 11:57 pm
If only I knew how to not be boring. Doesn’t everyone want to discuss LOTR ?
February 27, 2013 at 11:17 pm
Oh, you know that LOTR is my most favourite subject. In fact, I am listening to the music from The Hobbit as I respond to your comment.
February 27, 2013 at 11:37 pm
then you are anything but boring
— goodnight!
February 27, 2013 at 11:41 pm
Thank you!!! By the way, just a thought for today –
“Never laugh at live dragons.”
― J.R.R. Tolkien
February 28, 2013 at 3:45 pm
Witty post. There’s something for everyone.
February 27, 2013 at 11:39 pm
Thank you, Arjun, for your encouraging comments.
February 28, 2013 at 12:41 pm
As always, your post was a pleasure to read !
February 28, 2013 at 12:08 am
And it is a pleasure to have your company! Have a wonderful day…
February 28, 2013 at 3:44 pm
Affirmation of what I have always strive to be
Always love your posts.
Regards,
February 28, 2013 at 12:08 am
Thank you so much for your presence and comments! The word – affirmation! You have just given me another thought….
February 28, 2013 at 3:43 pm
Hi Rebecca;: Thank you for your “listening” series.
February 28, 2013 at 1:17 am
And thank you for joining the dialogue. I look forward to your thoughts and ideas.
February 28, 2013 at 12:38 pm
Thank you so much for this post, Rebecca. It sounds like a kind of review to me how to be a good listener and how to be a good presenter
. I often found myself stuck on one of these predicates.
February 28, 2013 at 2:59 am
You have centered on the heart of the dilemma – the delicate balance between listening and speaking. It goes to timing and context! To make the greatest impact and to give the best of who we are, we need to know when to speak and when to listen. And that is something that I am learning as we go along. And now with social media technology, there are added complex variables. The good news is that we are learning together.
February 28, 2013 at 12:37 pm
I think it is correct that we have to know when to speak and when to listen is an important key point. I hardly believe that sometimes I may not be a good listener to what I am not interested. I must attain some tips from the learning. Any one?
February 28, 2013 at 3:08 pm
February 28, 2013 at 3:38 pm
I would love to see you work a room. Just how many people can you meet in 10 minutes and still have a meaningful interaction? I keep my hubby guessing what I’m up to all the time.
February 28, 2013 at 5:01 pm
Oh Emily, a very good question!!! “How many” is the antithesis of “meaningful.” I remember being in a session where we all had to give a 30 second elevator speech as an introduction. Now 30 seconds is too long for attention spans that are used to texting. We live in a fast world, but the desire for meaningful discussions has not diminished. In fact, I think that it is escalating. Interesting times….
February 28, 2013 at 11:15 pm
It’s a real pleasure to read here and to listen my thoughts in my silence kitchen. It’s a boring way to start my day !
February 28, 2013 at 9:18 pm
What a great way to start! And since it is 11:15 p.m. in Vancouver, I am guessing that you are just starting your day!!! I know that it will be exciting…
February 28, 2013 at 11:18 pm
By the way : I wish you a beautiful spring !
February 28, 2013 at 9:19 pm
Thank you!!! Vancouver has a rainfall alert! It has been raining heavily non stop all day. We may see sunshine on Sunday! Your visits always bring sunshine to my day even if it is raining.
February 28, 2013 at 11:21 pm
Oh, to know when to speak and when to keep quiet! That is the rub. When we learn that and choose words wisely, I am sure we will not be boring.
March 1, 2013 at 8:22 am
That is indeed the rub! You, of all people, know how much I like to talk!!!
March 1, 2013 at 6:42 pm