Listen patiently, courteously and sympathetically to the moans - and keep raising the dividend.

Listen patiently to a relative then give tactful advice.

I listen patiently and then switch the conversation to cars and bikes.

We should listen patiently to any opinion given us about our ministry.

We must smile sweetly and listen patiently.

She isn't sure whether to listen politely or carry on with her work.

Most of those who dream of a home of their own will listen politely to such reasoning and then advance their own arguments.

I listen politely but draw my own conclusions.

Folks in the pew may listen politely to a reporter of the distant, biblical past, but they won't be gripped unless they believe this speaker speaks to their condition.

Listen politely, but follow your instincts.

At dinner parties he would listen quietly and politely to others pontificating about issues of which he, not they, had expert knowledge.

When they spoke during the work, she says, he 'would listen quietly and offer back small morsels of himself'.

Listen quietly to any explanation.

Promise to listen quietly and not get defensive, whatever she says, but point out that you can't try to sort what you don't even know about.

In a session, the authors of the submission listen quietly while the other participants discuss what they liked about the submission and suggest improvements.

I'll take someone out to lunch, listen respectfully, and in the process introduce my ideas in a non-combative mode, allowing others time for thought.

They instinctively knew how to listen respectfully to those with whom they disagreed.

In my group we listened respectfully to one another and were listened to respectfully.

Contemporary accounts differ in details, but most agree the first three acts went smoothly, and the audience listened respectfully.

All were charmed by the small, dapper man who listened respectfully, had a light touch with flattery, yet was not tediously deferential.

Listen sympathetically to their complaints, then back off.

If you're annoyed about something and you tell him, he will listen sympathetically, and the look in his eyes will make you feel better.

His personal beliefs, moreover, incline him to listen sympathetically to submissions on policy from senior clergy.

I listened sympathetically, but wasn't really sure whether he wanted any advice or just a friendly ear.

The father listened sympathetically and didn't call social services.

We'll jam in front of the fire, play backgammon, listen to music and chat.

The director said he hoped that the concert would appeal to younger audiences who might then be tempted to listen to music in other proms.

I can still read a book, listen to music, enjoy the sunshine on my skin and the scent of a flower.

Does she listen to music while she's cooking?

But then we're all a bit troubled, and we certainly don't listen to music to make us feel any sadder.

There are so many options - and if all else fails read a book or listen to the radio.

We didn't listen to the radio or music much.

But all that pales into insignificance alongside the 2million forked out by chief constables so that coppers can listen to the radio.

He told her to watch for other aircraft and to listen to the radio for calls from air traffic control.

You can also listen to the radio, and it comes with a useful 2-megapixel camera.