Bruno Kahne is a corporate consultant for the aeronautical industry in France. By chance, he became familiar with the silent culture of the deaf when he met an executive with a deaf son. As he immersed himself in the world of the deaf, he began to realize that people who can't hear have developed communication skills that make them uncommonly more effective than hearing people. An idea was born: to use the deaf as consultants for his clients.
When deaf people interact with one another, they use skills that allow them to get their message across much faster and accurately than those who can hear.
Here are some listening lessons Kahne has learned from the deaf:
1. Look people in the eye: Looking away "cuts" the conversation. Be present in the conversation and you will remember what is said.
2. Don't interrupt: Deaf people who sign take turns completing their thought. Through sequential conversation, there is less misunderstanding.
3. Say what you mean, as simply as possible: Deaf people are direct. They reveal their thoughts and feelings through expressive use of their whole bodies. They also find the most economical way to get a point across.
4. When you don't understand something, ask: New signs emerge constantly with sign language. So deaf people are comfortable telling others that they don't understand a particular sign. Those of us with hearing aren't so readily willing to admit lack of comprehension.
5. Stay focused: The deaf don't multi-task. They cut themselves off from distraction and focus entirely on the conversation.
We have two ears and one mouth for a reason. Listening well, and choosing to speak wisely, are good communication skills for all to develop. We can learn much from those for whom listening is not through their ears, but through their eyes.
--C.L.C.
