By Abubakar Aminu Ibrahim
Recently, I have been reflecting on public behaviour as I witness it in our local environments—schools, seminars, workshops, and similar gatherings. There is a stark contrast between what I observe here and what I see while watching lectures and discussions in the US, Europe, and other developed regions. The difference is striking, and unfortunately, it does not favour us.
Consider, for example, the simple yet profound act of listening and paying attention. I recently watched a Harvard professor facilitating a mature and highly engaging debate among his students on affirmative action and legacy admissions. What struck me was not only the relevance and depth of the topic but also the respect, composure, and attentiveness of the participants. Each speaker was heard without unnecessary interruption, and ideas were exchanged with mutual understanding—something that even the Nigerian Senate struggles to master.
Now, think about similar gatherings in Nigeria. It’s almost inevitable to hear teachers, speakers, or MCs repeatedly pleading, “Please be quiet!” during lessons or formal sessions. But why is it so hard for us to stay silent? Part of the problem is that many people do not realize that their individual choices matter.
People assume, “My little noise won’t make a difference; others are listening anyway.” But that is precisely the issue. The collective “little noise” from multiple individuals merges into a loud, distracting hum in the hall. If every person makes a conscious decision to remain silent and focused, the entire atmosphere will change. Ironically, those who think they are too insignificant to make an impact often do—but in a negative way. As the saying goes, if you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito!
Listening is not just about remaining silent—it is an act of respect and engagement. Your noise doesn’t just disturb serious-minded people around you; it also impacts the speaker’s performance. Non-verbal cues—such as the facial expressions of the audience—are vital to a speaker. A presentation can be either enhanced or ruined by the listeners’ posture, attention, and responsiveness. The energy a speaker receives from the audience directly affects the effectiveness of the session.
Your attention speaks volumes about you. Have you ever noticed how some people form friendships at events without even speaking to one another during the session? Yet, they find themselves drawn together by the positive energy they radiate through their attentiveness. I personally experienced this—I once met a remarkable individual whose rapt attention during a session caught my eye. After the event, I approached him, only to discover that he had also noticed the same attentiveness in me. That silent connection laid the foundation for a lasting friendship. We did not interrupt the session, nor did we disturb others, yet we gained something invaluable.
As a student, recognize that your attention is your most valuable asset. You get the most from your teacher not only by attending class but also by actively listening and fostering an environment where learning can flourish. The saying “attention is not free; it is paid” rings true—you must pay attention to acquire knowledge.
Likewise, as an audience member at any formal gathering, remember that your main purpose is to learn. Learning occurs only when you truly listen. Let us develop the discipline of attentiveness, as it is not only a sign of respect but also a characteristic of highly successful individuals. Public conduct is important, and in this instance, it starts with silence and a receptive ear.
Abubakar wrote from Katsina via abubakarmuhammadaminu21@gmail.com.
