What is left unsaid may be more important than what is said in some cases. This is where body language comes into play. Gestures, posture, eye contact, and facial expressions are just some of the things to watch. Think about this the next time you are sitting at a meeting and observe the unspoken language that others exhibit. Attitude is most important, and information transfer is secondary.
Listening skills are vital to everyone.
We listen best when there is a payoff or penalty involved. The value of the message rests within the audience and nowhere else. A person who gets the facts correct is not always a good listener. Facts are only part of most messages. Good listeners listen for opinion, emotion, and distortion as well.