Commission on Evangelization

Did you know that on a typical day, 70% of our waking moments are spent communicating?

Of that 70%,

45% is spent listening
30% talking
16% reading and
only 9% writing!

With so much of our time and energy given to listening, it’s amazing that 75% of what we listen to is ignored, forgotten, or misunderstood!

Listening is the heart of every evangelizing encounter. While most of us are born with the ability to HEAR, LISTENING is learned. To grow as a listener requires every evangelizer to study, reflect and practice.

Here is how to begin....

Think of the last time you were HEARD, but not LISTENED TO.
Think of the last time you experienced being LISTENED TO.
What indicated to you that you were not being LISTENED TO?
What indicated that you were being LISTENED TO?
Which of these indicators do you usually practice when listening to others?

Which one of the indicators above do you need to intentionally practice in 2003? How?

Taken from a talk given by Liz Dudas, Glenmary Department of Pastoral Ministers & Pastoral Services, 2000.

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