5 Levels of Listening [Social Intelligence Brief]
The Art of Charm
Intro
This chapter explores the five levels of listening and their impact on communication and trust-building. It highlights how effective listening not only reduces defensiveness but also promotes deeper insights and emotional connections between speakers.
Ever leave a meeting thinking it went fine… but something didn’t land? In this concise training, AJ and Johnny unpack the five levels of listening and the “conversation radar” that lets you hear what others don’t say. You’ll learn how to move beyond facts and small talk into context, what’s left unsaid, and meaning—so people feel seen, trust you faster, and want to keep the conversation going.
What to Listen For
[00:00:00] Why “it went fine” isn’t enough—introducing conversation radar
[00:00:40] High-quality listening lowers defensiveness; oxytocin & trust
[00:02:27] What years of video breakdowns revealed about real listening
[00:04:21] Five levels overview and the Oscar Trimboli inspiration
[00:05:14] Level 1: Self-focused—seeking to be understood vs. to understand
[00:06:55] Level 2: Content—facts only = forgettable, low impact
[00:08:32] Level 3: Context—tone, timing, rhythm; role-play on ambivalence
[00:10:50] Level 4: What’s unsaid—notice omissions; kids vs. work example
[00:13:17] Level 5: Meaning—identity, values; reflective listening > shared experience
[00:14:37] The 4-step practice drill to use all five levels today
[00:15:35] How to train conversation radar (program mention & link)
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Episode Resources
Oscar Trimboli | The Art of better Listening - Art of Charm Ep.#726
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