How often do any of us jump to conclusions when we are in the middle of a conversation before listening to the person finish their thought? I know I do it. But after doing it so many times, it starts to make you feel like you think you know it all, or you can never be wrong — when in reality this is far from the case.
Sometimes we listen to people, but we don’t probe enough. We don’t ask enough questions to learn more about a person, their life, and their thoughts. If you really want to appear wise, smart, and humble, ask more questions to learn about the subject which you are discussing with another, and then take the time to listen to the responses you receive from those questions.
Learn First. Speak Second.