Edit This with Steve Gamel

Can Make You A Better Writer Ho w activ e list ening

by Steve Gamel, Owner of Edit This

Iused to mentor a young journalist. He was a good kid who was eager to learn, so much so that each time he got ready to do another interview with someone, he’d want to sit down with me and go over the list of questions he had prepared.

Usually, he was pretty spot-on, but one thing I’d always preach in those sitdowns was this: rather than worry about questions you think you should ask, focus on being the best listener you can be.

Here are 4 reasons why being a better listener will make you a great writer.

1. You And The Person You Are Interviewing Are At Ease

Not everyone you interview has done this before. Ask the right questions, but first put them at ease by showing that you are listening.

2. You Learn Something You Didn’t Know

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I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gone into an interview and come out with a completely different story simply because I was willing to shut up and listen.

3. You Build Better Relationships

Duh! People want to know they are being heard, that you empathize, and that you will get the story right.

4. You Avoid Misunderstandings

Just like when you get into a spat with a loved one, each person wants to know their individual concerns are being heard.

I get to know the individuals or companies I am writing about so that I can tell the best story possible. Active listening makes me look a lot smarter than any predetermined question.