If you were there to inquire into the political situation, people thanked you for that, too.

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They thanked you for coming, for hearing them out, and for not treating their story as a national joke.

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Only those being thanked tend to listen so if you begin with the thank-yous, you risk losing your audience before you capture them.

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He thanked Mr Obama for "the investment you have made in our relationship and in strengthening the alliance between our countries".

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And in a phone call with General Allen this weekend, the President expressed his condolences to the General for the loss of the two officers that you mention in the Interior Ministry, and thanked General Allen for his efforts in protecting and making secure American personnel, both military and civilian, in Afghanistan.

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Williams, recognised for her portrayal of Marilyn Monroe, thanked the Globes for "putting in my hand the same award you put in Marilyn's hand more than 50 years ago".

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Addressing the clergy who had joined him, he thanked them "not only for this week, but for these past eight years that you have carried with me -- with great skill, affection, love and faith -- the weight of the Petrine ministry, " referring to the papacy.

CNN: February 23, 2013 -- Updated 1735 GMT (0135 HKT)