Responsible Speaking

There are few things more gratifying than talking with someone who actually listens to what it is we are saying. They pay attention and seem to be genuinely interested in the points we are trying to make. This not-so-illuminating thought was triggered yesterday when I attended a speech by President-elect Obama on the national economy. Over 1,000 people were in attendance, dignitaries and "regular folk." The economy, of course, is a topic that is a great interest to everyone because the economic problems of the nation are enormous and far-reaching. It affects all of us. Further, as the nation's soon-to-be next president, people want to know what Obama's thoughts are on this situation and what it is he is going to do about it. The obvious result is that Obama speaks, everyone listens.

Being a speaker who is listened to carries with it a great deal of responsibility. When people are active listeners they are, in a sense, opening up their minds and hearts to the speaker. They are, in essence, giving this person their trust. To give them back anything less than honesty and equal openness is underhanded and foul. While this applies to Obama, other public figures, and people of high visibility and authority, it also applies to the great majority of us who primarily speak only to other individuals - family members, friends, co-workers, and others with whom we interact. Honesty begets honesty. Honesty begets honest talk and honest listening.

As someone who will be doing a great deal of communicating with us over the next four years, Obama carries with him the heavy responsibility of not betraying we the listeners. On perhaps a smaller scale, we, too, carry that responsibility with us each and every day. It is not a small thing. So long as this responsibility is carried out in good faith and not short-changed, then the ties we attempt to create and maintain stand a most solid chance of being built.