Listening
Illustration★★★★The noted Harvard scholar, Charles T. Copeland, was once approached by a student who asked: “Why are there no courses in conversation? Is there anything I can do to learn the art of conversation?” “Of course there is,” answered Copeland, “and if you’ll just listen, I’ll tell you what it is.” There ensued a long and awkward silence, which the student finally interrupted: “Well, I’m listening,” he said. “You see,” said Copeland, “you’re learning already!”
The point
Harvard scholar Copeland teaches the art of conversation through silence—when a student asks how to learn conversation, the professor remains silent until the student understands that listening is the answer.
Scripture
James 1:19Proverbs 18:2
Audience
Adults
Tone
Instructive · Humorous · Wise
To tell aloud
under a minute · 80 words
Subjects