Experts claim only 7% of communication is verbal, 35% is tone and emotion. The rest is body language. The majority of communication is not spoken. When someone is speaking with folded arms, laughing, grinning, starting to pace around, winking, growling, or raising their eyebrows, they are telling you more than they are saying. It's up to you to listen. Active listening is both listening to what is said and paying attention to the emotions.

Many subtleties are not the spoken word yet are said in communication. Listen to what people say but look for the communication of how people feel. The intensity of emotions will tell you what people are really saying like the hypochondriac's tombstone in Key West, Florida that reads, "I told you I was sick."

Listen actively as it enables a better environment for others to communicate with you. The more attention you give, the more others will likely give you in return. People enjoy speaking to others that are interested in what they are saying.

Communication is a tool, it's how you sell ideas and influence people. Today it's a given leaders are good speakers and presenters. However, it's also expected that people in authority are active listeners.

It's not unusual for professionals and people in key positions to attend professional communication classes. Many executives hire private coaches so they can become better speakers and presenters.

An effective communicator is able to influence others, generate enthusiasm, and create a sense of urgency. Selling ideas, concepts, and motivation to others is an important part of communicating. However it's equally important to develop intuitive listening skills so you understand what others are saying, thinking, and critically important, how they are feeling.

Mastering the professional communication skills of both active listening and speaking is often the secret key to success in professional and personal life.