Our program this past Monday, May 3rd, was Deborah Boswell of Professional Speech Consultants of Alabama. The program however was not about professional speaking. It was about about listening. She referred process as teaching to be a listening leader and listening skills and the body language that goes along with it.

She spent most of her time talking about the “Five Top Listening Habits.” They are:
1) Listen to learn instead of listening to respond.
2) Invest in Mindfullness.
3) Get into their movie. In other words, be totally engaged in your listening. Do not allow distractions to get in the way of your listening.
4) Listen with your eyes and ears. Let your body language reinforce your listening so the speaker knows they have your complete attention.
5) If you say “Yes”...  Sometimes the time someone asks for your attention in not a good time. It is OK to say no but to reschedule. But, when “Yes” time comes along, give them your complete attention. One of Deborah’s strongest statements was, Listening is a gift that we give to others.

You can learn more about Deborah and her business at her website, www.deborahboswell.com.

These photos and more are available in original resolution at: https://rotaryclubofsandysprings.zenfolio.com/p78962925