cover of episode 114. Communication Means Paying Attention: The Four Pillars of Active Listening

114. Communication Means Paying Attention: The Four Pillars of Active Listening

2023/11/7
logo of podcast Think Fast, Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

Think Fast, Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

Chapters

This chapter emphasizes the crucial role of conscious listening in fostering understanding, particularly in a world increasingly divided by technology. It underscores the importance of listening in relationships, learning, persuasion, leadership, and various aspects of human interaction. The chapter concludes by highlighting Barack Obama's insightful quote about the significance of listening, especially during disagreements.

Shownotes Transcript

We should all be audience-centric in communication. But, as Julian Treasure contests, we need to take it one step further. What is the listening I am speaking into?, he says, is the question every speaker should ask themselves over and over.

"Every human being’s listening is unique ... we listen through a set of filters and those filters develop as we grow and mature in life and we have experiences. Knowing where the person is coming from, you'll be able to sense their listening."

Treasure, an expert on speaking and sound, also offers advice on the breathing techniques that can transform one's speech. "If you want to speak powerfully, develop a breathing practice. And that can be as simple as conscious breathing, which is breathing in through the nose, out through the mouth."

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Treasure and host Matt Abrahams explore the power of breath; the four steps to show someone we're engaged and listening; and how by framing speech as a gift, we can better serve our audience. 

Treasure is the author of Sound Business). His most recent book, How to be Heard: Secrets for Powerful Speaking and Listening), is based on his TED Talk). For a full transcript of this episode, visit our podcast webpage).

More resources:

Julian Treasure on TED)

Julian Treasure on LinkedIn)

Julian on Substack)

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