<#297 Desk Column>
 
We Need to Become Better Listeners
 
By Lee Ji-woo, Head Student Editor
 
There’s an old saying: “No one is an island” which means that as social beings we have to live together in the world. And so we have to communicate with and understand other people. Understanding others is one of the keys for living in harmony with each other. However, we are likely to fail to understand others due to poor communication skills. Among them I think listening skills are the most important because poor listening skills are at the root of conflict. I believe when we listen to others attentively we can communicate more smoothly and then it will boost mutual understanding between us.
Unfortunately, in modern times, people, including me, want to talk to others about themselves but are not interested in listening to others. Whenever we watch TV shows, the entertainers are dying to tell their own stories about their beauty, songs, and performance. Similarly, politicians absolutely insist on their opinions and neglect what others are saying. In my case, whenever I talk to my friends by phone, I actually do not listen carefully to what they are saying. I make unconscious replies and hurry to talk about my things. That could be my fault, but I guess most people are just like me. I dare say few people listen to others with sincerity. We make new relationships constantly and in my opinion, they cannot be based on unilateral communication. If you want to live happily in this world with other people, you should listen more carefully to others, not just have one-sided conversations.
July 15th, 2010 is the 42nd anniversary of the publication of Chonnam Tribune. During these past decades, we have been trying to listen to your true voice, be your advocate and your sincere friend. However, on reflection, I have to say we should have paid more attention to your opinions. Media that exists for people should be a tool for mutual communication. Thus, Chonnam Tribune hopes to listen to your true heart, communicate with you sincerely, and be closer to you. Anytime, anywhere, we want to listen to your voice.
저작권자 © 전대신문 무단전재 및 재배포 금지