One of the most important skills at [reporting] is not so…
![“One of the most important skills at [reporting] is not so much what comes out of your mouth but what you hear. To listen. When you interview people, it's very important to understand the nuances of what they're saying and to understand when they have actually made news-when they've told you…” quote by Lester Holt](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/a04/lester-holt-12826_havens_one-of-the-most-important-skills-at-repo_945875.png)
“One of the most important skills at [reporting] is not so much what comes out of your mouth but what you hear. To listen. When you interview people, it's very important to understand the nuances of what they're saying and to understand when they have actually made news-when they've told you something that they haven't told anybody else.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Emphasizes listening over speaking to uncover unique news
In simple terms: Listening reveals stories others haven't told
Key Takeaway
Prioritize active listening in reporting
Themes
journalism
listening
nuance
Mood
analytical
inquisitive
Type
advice
instructional
When to use this quote
- news reporting
- podcasting
- documentary work
Key Concepts
interview technique
information gathering
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you verify unheard stories?
- What questions deepen interview insight?
A Different Perspective
Listening alone may miss actionable insights without follow‑up