Air Quote by Studs Terkel
“What I bring to the interview is respect. The person recognizes that you respect them because you're listening. Because you're listening, they feel good about talking to you. When someone tells me a thing that happened, what do I feel inside? I want to get the story out. It's for the person who reads it to have the feeling . . . In most cases the person I encounter is not a celebrity; rather the ordinary person. "Ordinary" is a word I loathe. It has a patronizing air. I have come across ordinary people who have done extraordinary things. (p. 176)”
About This Quote
Source Book: Working, Studs Terkel, 1974
Respectful listening builds trust and encourages people to share their stories, revealing ordinary lives’ hidden depth.
In simple terms: Listening with respect makes people open up.
Key Takeaway
Listen actively and value every speaker.
Themes
communication
empathy
storytelling
Mood
thoughtful
engaging
Type
inspirational
reflective
When to use this quote
- interviews
- journalism
- everyday conversations
- community building
Key Concepts
psychology
human dignity
Questions to Reflect On
- How does respect change the narrative you hear?
- What stories emerge when you truly listen?
A Different Perspective
Listening alone may not reveal deeper truths without follow‑up questions.
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![“[A]s you partake of the world's bill of fare, that's darned good advice to follow. Do a lot of spitting out the hot air. And be careful what you swallow.” quote by Dr. Seuss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/da8/dr-seuss-1224_advice_a-s-you-partake-of-the-world-s-bill-of-f_6806.jpg)