The Art of Listening

涂书颖

Hello， everyone. My name isTu Shuying， and my English nameis Cayla. I am nine years old anda student in Class 3， Grade 4， atJinxiao Primary School. Today， Iwant to share a story with you aboutthe importance of listening.

Do you know why we haveears， eyes， and hearts？ Sometimes，we might misunderstand what aperson does or says. However， if we listen attentively to others，if we listen to their stories， maybe there will be no need forunnecessary explanations.

Let me tell you a story called “The Art of Listening”.

One day， a famous American， Linklater， interviewed achild. He asked， “What do you want to be when you grow up？”The child innocently replied， “I want to be the pilot of a plane！”Linklater then posed a challenging scenario， “What would you doif all the engines stopped while flying over the Pacific Ocean？”

After thinking for a while， the child responded， “I wouldinstruct everyone on the plane to fasten their seat belts， then hangup my parachute before jumping out.” The audience burst intolaughter， but Linklater continued observing the child.

Unexpectedly， the childs tears welled up， revealing acompassionate heart that couldnt be adequately described withwords alone. Linklater asked him why he would do such a thing.The childs response showed his sincere thoughts， “I will go to getfuel and come back！”

This story teaches us the true meaning of listening—not just hearing but fully engaging. It also means refrainingfrom projecting our own interpretations onto what others aresaying. Listening with our hearts can bring understanding andcompassion. Thank you for listening to my story.