Why did God give me two ears and one mouth? So that I will hear

Host: The room feels calm, with a quiet anticipation hanging in the air as Jack and Jeeny sit across from each other. The quote about to be discussed speaks to the balance between speaking and listening, and the wisdom found in giving more attention to what others say than what we say ourselves.

Jack: “Leo Rosten said, ‘Why did God give me two ears and one mouth? So that I will hear more and talk less.’” He repeats the words thoughtfully, a small smile on his face. “It’s a great reminder, isn’t it? The idea that we often talk more than we listen, but if we pay more attention, we might understand things better, connect more deeply. It’s almost like a call to be more present in conversations, to really hear what others are saying rather than just focusing on what we want to say next.” He looks up at Jeeny, curious. “What do you think? Do you think we listen enough, or are we too focused on speaking?”

Jeeny: “I think it’s a challenge for most of us. We live in a world where communication often feels like a race to be heard, to share our thoughts, our opinions. But the real value is in listening — truly listening, not just waiting for our turn to speak. When we listen, we show that we care, that we’re invested in the conversation, and that we respect the other person’s perspective.” Her voice is gentle, but filled with quiet insight. “Listening isn’t just about hearing words. It’s about understanding the emotion, the intention behind those words. It’s about truly connecting.”

Jack: “That’s so true. It’s easy to think that the most important part of communication is what we say, but listening is where we learn. When we listen, we open ourselves up to understanding, to empathy. It’s like listening is the key to deeper connection, to seeing the world through someone else’s eyes.” His voice softens, the realization settling in. “The more we talk, the less room we leave for others to be heard. But when we listen, we create space for their voice, for their story.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. And when we listen, we not only gain new information, but we also make others feel valued. We let them know that their thoughts and feelings matter. There’s a quiet power in listening, one that’s often overlooked. But it’s in that silence, that space we give to others, where the most meaningful conversations happen.” She smiles softly, a quiet reassurance in her tone. “It’s not about saying the right thing, but about being present enough to hear the other person, to really understand them.”

Jack: “And that’s where true communication happens, right? When we’re really present in the moment, when we listen without interrupting or thinking about what we’re going to say next. It’s about being fully engaged in the exchange.” His voice deepens, almost reflective. “It’s a skill, too. To listen with intention, to stay focused on the other person, instead of turning the conversation back to ourselves all the time. That’s where respect and understanding grow.”

Jeeny: “Yes, and it’s a choice. We choose to listen, to step back and give the other person space to express themselves. And in doing that, we build trust, we build connection, and we create a space where meaningful conversations can happen.” Her smile deepens, full of quiet wisdom. “When we listen more and talk less, we give the gift of truly hearing someone — and that’s where the real magic of communication happens.”

Jack: “I think I’ve realized something here. I’ve been so focused on getting my point across, on making sure my voice is heard, that I’ve missed out on truly understanding others. Listening, really listening, is the key to connecting, to learning, and to growing.” His voice softens, almost grateful for the realization. “I need to remember that sometimes, the most powerful thing I can do is listen.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. The most meaningful relationships are built on listening, on giving people the space to speak and be understood. When we listen, we show respect and build stronger connections. It’s the foundation of empathy.” She smiles gently, a sense of peace in her words. “And when we talk less, we open up the opportunity for others to share, to feel heard, and to feel valued.”

Host: The room feels quieter now, the weight of their conversation lifting into a new understanding. Jack and Jeeny have discovered that communication is not just about speaking; it’s about listening, truly being present with others, and creating space for meaningful connection. Listening is the foundation of understanding, and it’s through listening that we build trust, empathy, and deeper relationships.

Jack: “Maybe I’ve been so focused on what I want to say that I’ve missed the real value in a conversation. It’s not about talking, it’s about listening — letting others share, letting others be heard.” His voice is calmer, filled with a new appreciation for the power of silence and presence. “Listening is where the true connection happens.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. And when we listen, we allow others to feel valued, to feel understood. That’s the heart of communication — making room for each other’s voices.” She smiles softly, her voice full of affirmation. “When we talk less, we allow more space for others to be heard, and that’s where the magic lies.”

Host: The room feels still, the conversation leaving behind a sense of clarity. Jack and Jeeny have uncovered that listening is the heart of true communication. It’s not about speaking more, but about being present and creating space for others to share. Through listening, we form deeper connections, build trust, and foster understanding. In the balance between talking and listening, we find the true power of communication.