There are many great things about New York City: the food, people, museums, subway, historical sights, Central Park and the sounds. Yes the sounds. Just close your eyes and Listen. The City sounds are everywhere.

Communication consists of many aspects and listening is one of the key tenets.  It is amazing the sounds we hear when we actively listen and listen for understanding.

The City is so diverse in people that in order to get the full flavor, you have to listen. Yesterday we sat at breakfast with young men from Russia, Bulgaria and Poland. They spoke English, but it really required me to listen and when I did?  Let’s say it was awesome.

The subway was our chauffeur and tour guide and we were treated to sounds that were making their own music. Every stop brought about a new listening experience.

We stopped by a stand in Greenwich Village to purchase some African garb, from a Sengalese proprietor. By listening to understand, I heard his delightful accent/dialect that just added to the experience.

Our next stop was a park outside of NYU. There were three different street musicians playing within earshot of each other and yet they played as though the park belonged to them only.  By actively listening I could hear their unique and wonderful sounds.

The final stop included Ground Zero and Battery Park. We were among thousands paying our respects and yet the sound of silence was so powerful!

The ability to listen is a wonderful gift and works so well, when used. Just think of what you might be missing.

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Today my wife Vickie and I celebrate 34 years of marriage. As the special day approached, we’ve talked about many reasons our marriage has succeeded: our love for each other, the commitment we made, our three sons and our two precious grandchildren.

One reason we don’t speak about often, yet do all day is, communicate. We talk about everything! It’s a key reason our marriage has thrived.

My Communication Workshops are based on eight communication Life Skills. I call them Life Skills because they are about life: in business, relationships, community, social and our beliefs. Life is so much better when we are communicating effectively and really thinking about others.

I think often about what an important role communication plays in our lives. How do I have a conversation with Vickie without eye contact? If I speak continuously without pausing, am I showing regard for her? If I speak without passion, how will she know how I really feel and what I truly believe?

Communication like love and so many other things is often taken for granted. Have you taken a communication inventory lately? Do you communicate with the other person in mind? Do you listen to learn? Do you communicate to influence and inspire?

One of the key reasons for our successful 34 years is our commitment to work continuously on our communication.

Communication, it’s for Life, Love and Happiness.

Technorati Tags: Communication, communication inventory, Communication Workshops, conversation, effective communication, eye contact, life skills, listen, passion, pausing