“When we listen with the intent to understand others, rather than with the intent to reply, we begin true communication and relationship building. Opportunities to then speak openly and to be understood come much more naturally and easily. Seeking to understand takes consideration; seeking to be understood takes courage. Effectiveness lies in balancing the two.”

-Stephen R. Covey

“Once a human being has arrived on this earth, communication is the largest single factor determining what kinds of relationships he makes with other and what happens to him in the world about him.”

-Virginia Satir

“It seems rather incongruous that in a society of super sophisticated communication, we often suffer from a shortage of listeners.”

- Erma Bombeck

“It takes a great man to be a good listener.”

- Calvin Coolidge

“She did not talk to people as if they were strange hard shells she had to crack open to get inside. She talked as if she were already in the shell. In their very shell.”

- Marita Bonner