The Art of Good Listening

Radio Record, Volume III, Issue 35, 14 March 1930, Page 5

The Art of Good Listening

ed Criticism of Programmes ----- SOME people have a most curious way of criticising the broadcasting programmes. They don’t listen, and yet, strangely enough, feel perfectly competent to find fault with items they haven’t heard. "We never listen in to "X.Y.Z.," they declare, "because the programmes are no good." . "But," you ask, "didn’t you hear that programme that was put over the air on Friday night?" , "No, we didn’t bother," is the usual reply, "but we’re sure it wasn’t up to much !" The British Broadcasting Corporation has issued a bulletin specially for the edification of their vast public, and we have pleasure in passing on a few extracts to-:our fellow listeners, on "The Art of Good Listening." (1) Make sure that your set is working properly, before you settle down to listen, (2) Choose your programmes ‘as carefully as you choose which theatre to go to. It is just as important to you to enjoy yourself at home as in the theatre. (3) Listen as carefully at home as you do in the theatre or concert ‘hall. You can’t get the best out of a programme if your mind is wandering or if you are playing bridge or reading. Give it your full attention. Try turning out the lights so that your eye is not caught by familiar objects in the room. Your imagination will be twice as vivid. | (4) If you only listen with half an ear, you haven’t the quarter of a right to criticise. (5) Think of your favourite occupation. Don’t you like a change sometimes? Give the wireless a rest now and then,