Next, you can determine what types of information will answer your question. For example, let’s say your question is: “How do guns work?” this may not be specific enough depending on why you need this information and what you plan to do with it. With a specific question you know type of information needed to answer your question. Sure you can delve into history of gun making, waste a few hours or days, or you can use a web site like http://howstuffworks.com and find your answer in a minute.

We’re spoiled today with so much information at our fingertips; sometimes we overlook best resources for information, a public library. If you just want general information, you may want to look it up in an encyclopedia: more detailed information, such as statistics may be found in trade magazines, almanacs, or reports.

Sometimes best resource is Source itself. I think people like talking about themselves; what they do, their life experiences. Have you ever sat down with an older person and heard all their tales of good old days? Sometimes it seems like they could talk forever if they had an audience. Be that audience. Ask questions. People can surprise you with their wealth of knowledge and experience.

Garbage in – Garbage Out

Not all information is good information. You may have done your part, decided to conduct research, asked specific questions and found answer. Or so you think. Before you accept that information as fact, you need to consider source.

- Is it Reliable? For example, did information come for a impartial source? Are they trying to influence your thinking with propaganda, rather than non biased fact? Are they trying to sell you something? Keep in mind, any data can be skewed if source has an agenda.

- Is it Qualified? Does author of information have credentials? Are they stating fact or opinion? It’s ok if source is stating an opinion, as long as they are identified and informed opinions, which may or may not be supported by data.

- Is it Relevant? How old is it? Life changes fast, and facts even faster. What was 100% true five years ago may be 100% untrue today. Has data been taken out of context?

You can give your audience much more than just an entertaining story. You can give them knowledge. If you do thorough research and make informed decisions in your writing, you will develop trust and respect with your audience. Don’t forget, research is a SEARCH. It is not always easy to find information you’re looking for, you may have to try several sources before you find your answer. Consider it a treasure hunt, with nuggets of knowledge more valuable then gold.

Let me ask you again: Are you a good listener?

Active Listening is a form of listening and responding that focuses attention on speaker. The listener pays attention to speaker, and doesn’t attend to other activities, and then paraphrases what she thinks speaker has said. This enables speaker to validate or clarify and to feel they have been heard.

Empathic Listening is achieved when you suspend judgment and receive message. You are genuinely interested in understanding what other person is thinking and feeling. Empathy is achieved when you are able to see through another person’s eyes.

You can improve your listening skills with following techniques:

1.Remove distractions so you can give speaker your full attention. 2.Paraphrase what you have heard. Do not parrot; rather rephrase what you’ve heard in your own words. 3.Refrain for making judgments and assumptions. They are based on your perspective and may not be what speaker intends. 4.Do not interrupt or think about what you’re going to say before speaker is done.

According to Dr Beverly Langford, LMA Communication, “When we listen we expand our horizons, increase our understanding, and gather material for next time we have opportunity to talk.”

Writing is a process of communication and no communication is one sided. We deliver a message that we expect our audience to receive, understand and accept. Building upon Covey’s message, writers must “Seek First to Listen, Then to be Heard.”. When we listen more effectively and empathetically we gain insights which will transform our work.