Tell Me More: On the Fine Art of Listening

by Brenda Ueland

The second in Kore Press' essay series was printed in an edition of 1000. Excerpt from "Tell Me " We should all know this listening, not talking, is the gifted and great role, and the imaginative role. And the true listener is much more beloved, magnetic than the talker, and he is more effective, and learns more and does more good. And so try listening.

Genres: Nonfiction, Writing, Self Help

Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

Brenda Ueland was a journalist, editor, freelance writer, and teacher of writing. She is best known for her book If You Want to Write: A Book about Art, Independence and Spirit.

Ueland was born to Andreas and Clara Hampson Ueland; the third of seven children. She attended Wells and Barnard colleges and received her baccalaureate from Barnard in 1913. She lived in and around New York City for much of her adult life before returning to Minnesota in 1930.

Ueland was raised in a relatively progressive household; her father, an immigrant from Norway, was a prominent lawyer and judge. Her mother was a suffragette and served as the first president of the Minnesota League of Women Voters. Ueland would spend her life as a staunch feminist and is said to have lived by two rules: To tell the truth, and to not do anything she didn't want to.

Reviews

[Nancy Dardarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a couple page essay that everyone who wants to have valuable friendships should read. I have kept a copy for years and re-read it every once in a while. It is on the web at http://traubman.igc.org/listenof.htm

[JZ · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I saw this listed on the author's page, I clicked it 'to read.' I had just listened to a 'book' by her, and I was inspired. What a wonderful woman! If You Want to Write: A Book about Art, Independence and Spirit

This is not a book. It is an essay that I decided to point out for you to read in a few minutes. It truly can change your life. Read it here: http://traubman.igc.org/listenof.htm

My mom is ninety, and we're reading it together next time we're together. Just in time.

[Dania · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listen. Listen. Listen.
I have these periods of time when I just don't want to talk.
It's hard to explain - whether I do it because I'm sad, or because I have a sore throat...mostly, I think it's because I'm afraid of the words coming out of my mouth. The words I now have to take responsibility for.
It's silly, really.
Listening is harder because really listening well, is selfless. Because whether that person has anything of real value to say for you or not, you listen so they recognize the value in their own words.

[Vicky Kern · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short article on the importance and skill of listening. She says that people who are listened to are recharged. They become rested and light-hearted. Their creative fountains become unblocked and the fountain accelerates. Her writing is straightforward, simply stated and so true.

[Abubakar · Rating 5 out of 5]

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