You can judge a good listener by asking the talker at the end of the conversation what the listener's position is on the topic. If the talker doesn't know, then the listener has probably done a good job of listening.

Summary

This quote implies that a good listener is someone who focuses on understanding the talker's perspective rather than imposing their own. By deliberately refraining from expressing their position on a topic during a conversation, the listener creates an environment where the talker feels heard and valued. If the talker is unable to determine the listener's stance, it suggests that the listener successfully prioritized active listening and withheld judgment or personal biases. This quote emphasizes the importance of listening without interjecting or interrupting, allowing genuine communication to take place.

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