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Attempts at Honesty

Reflections on the interplay of the Bible and Culture

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Home Communication Skills Stop, Look and Listen – Three Steps to Better Communication

Stop, Look and Listen – Three Steps to Better Communication

Posted on April 10, 2011 Written by Mark McIntyre Leave a Comment


communication I’m not naturally good at listening. Listening is a skill that has taken effort for me to develop. I have to force myself to slow down and take in what the other person is saying rather than focus on what I am going to say next.

Recently, in thinking about the skill of listening, the phrase “stop, look and listen” came to me. It seems applicable to developing the skill for listening, not just for trains, but in the midst of conversation. Here is why I think this phrase is helpful:

  • Stop – stop the self focused mental process so that I can hear and understand what the other person is saying. Decide to really hear.
  • Look – Look at the other person. Make eye contact. Observe his body language. Take in all the clues to communication.
  • Listen – By stopping and looking, I am now in a position to listen.

So, the suggestion to stop, look and listen will help you at a railroad crossing and in your next conversation.

What are some other suggestion you have for developing the skill of listening?


Filed Under: Communication Skills Tagged With: communication

About Mark McIntyre

A follower of Jesus Christ who shares observations about how Scripture should impact the church and the world. Mark is the original author and editor of Attempts at Honesty.

I have the opportunity to go to Istanbul, Turkey this summer to minister to Syrian refugees. If you would like more details about this trip, please use this link Mark McIntyre - Istanbul, Turkey Please note that this trip is fully funded, but I would appreciate your continued prayer. The trip will take place June 27 - July 6, 2025.

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