Character Quote by Robert Coles
““Be a good listener in the special way a story requires: note the manner of presentation; the development of plot, character; the addition of new dramatic sequences; the emphasis accorded to one figure or another in the recital; and the degree of enthusiam, of coherence, the narrator gives to his or her account.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Art of Listening, 1995
Effective listening requires attending to narrative structure, character focus, pacing, and the storyteller’s enthusiasm and coherence.
In simple terms: Good listening means noticing story details and how they’re presented.
Key Takeaway
Listen for story dynamics.
Themes
communication
storytelling
empathy
Mood
reflective
inquisitive
Type
educational
psychological
When to use this quote
- classroom discussions
- therapy sessions
- media interviews
Key Concepts
narrative analysis
psychology
education
Questions to Reflect On
- What elements of a story capture your attention?
- How does a narrator’s enthusiasm affect your understanding?
A Different Perspective
Over‑analysis can hinder natural engagement.
