All real success is a function of our ability to communicate.
In particular, all those who have Personal Power have the ability to communicate well to both the outer world and to themselves.
In many ways the ability to communicate is the best reflection of a person's ability with people.
What is commonly referred to as, "people skills.
" What's great is that communication is a skill that can be learned.
There are six fundamentals that are key to you being able to communicate well.
They are:

1. Listening
2. Speaking
3. Writing
4. Reading
5. Building Rapport
6. Taking Feedback

Mastering these fundamentals will enable you to speak and think clearly, to persuade others more easily, and to achieve more.
And, not only will your professional life take off, your personal relationships will improve also.
When your ability to communicate effectively improves, then your Personal Power, the source of all lasting Success, will increase dramatically! In this article, I'll cover Listening - the first key to developing persuasive communication skills and Personal Power.
"If you develop the skill that caters to the feelings, pride and emotions of those around you, not only will you unlock one of the doors to success, but once inside you will be able to carry away all of the riches that your pockets will allow.
" -Dennis Kimbro, author of What Makes The Great, Great Become A Great Listener Your goal should be to become a Great Listener.
Through Great Listening, you will increase your sources of information and the quality of information you get.
And, you will expand your Personal Power.
Here are some Tips on developing your Listening skills: First: Seek first to understand.
This is important because often when someone is speaking to us we're really not listening; we're simply pausing before we give our answer or rebuttal.
I find that Seeking First To Understand helps me to be receptive to new information.
Second: Pay Attention.
Be aware of what's going on around you and be aware of what's going on with the individual or group with whom you're speaking.
Third: Make eye contact with the individual who's speaking.
When they're speaking, do not look away.
When you "look away," you are giving them the body signal that you're not listening to them and don't care very much about what they're saying.
"Everyday of our lives we have the opportunity to learn & grow more, if we would only listen better.
" Fourth: Ask yourself these questions prior to or after a conversation: "What if he or she is right?"; and "If they're right, what does that mean for me?" I've found that these questions give me better perspective on the degree of importance another's information can play in my life.