ABSTRACT
THE IMPORTANCE OF LISTENING Like many others, you probably grew up believing that it was important to do as much talking as possible. “Let’s all be quiet. It’s Maria’s turn to speak,” your first-grade teacher might say, and everyone’s attention would dutifully turn to Maria. Sometimes she would have an interesting story to tell or an important piece of information to share. Usually, however, Maria talked about Maria, and everyone else waited impatiently for her to finish so that they, too, could have a turn in the spotlight. Think about it. Was anyone really listening to Maria during those early experiences? And, if they had wanted to listen, did anyone know how?
