The Art And Science of Listening With Oscar Trimboli
Dec 28, 2023
auto_awesome
Guest Oscar Trimboli, Author, Professional Speaker, Apple Award-winning Podcast Host, discusses the art and science of listening, the different colors of listening, effective questioning for improved listening, and shedding one's skin to foster diverse perspectives.
Effective listening involves more than just focusing on the speaker, it requires being mindful of body language and asking the right questions.
By asking open-ended and exploratory questions, listeners can encourage speakers to share deeper thoughts and uncover different perspectives.
Cultural perspectives play a significant role in listening, and embracing diversity can create a more inclusive and collaborative environment for richer dialogue.
Deep dives
The Power of Effective Listening
Effective listening can transform conversations and improve relationships. It involves more than just focusing on the speaker, as listening happens before, during, and after the conversation. Good listeners not only pay attention to what is said but also notice what is not said. By preparing to listen, asking the right questions, and being mindful of their breathing and body language, listeners can create a positive and productive dialogue. Listening is a skill that can be developed and can lead to better understanding, improved decision-making, and stronger connections.
The Importance of Asking the Right Questions
Asking the right questions is a crucial part of effective listening. By asking open-ended questions like 'Tell me more,' listeners can encourage speakers to share more of their thoughts and insights. This helps them uncover deeper meanings and perspectives. Additionally, asking exploratory questions like 'And what else?' allows for the exploration of different ideas and possibilities. By using these types of questions, listeners can expand the conversation and foster more comprehensive and inclusive discussions.
The Impact of Cultural Perspectives on Listening
Cultural perspectives play a significant role in listening. Different cultures may interpret and express themselves in distinct ways, leading to varied understandings. It's important to recognize and embrace these differences to foster effective communication. By listening to diverse perspectives and remaining open-minded, listeners can create an inclusive and collaborative environment. This allows for richer dialogue and enables the exploration of multiple viewpoints.
Recognizing the Limitations of Listening
While listening is a powerful tool, it has its limitations. People can only process a fraction of what they think, with an average speaking speed of 125 words per minute and a thinking speed of 900 words per minute. This means that a large portion of thoughts and ideas remain unexpressed. By being aware of these limitations, listeners can encourage speakers to share more and create a space that allows for a deeper understanding of their thoughts and perspectives.
The Potential for Growth through Effective Listening
Effective listening has the potential to transform conversations, improve relationships, and drive personal and professional growth. It requires conscious effort and practice, but the benefits are significant. By becoming skilled listeners, individuals can navigate difficult conversations, gain new insights, and build stronger connections with others. Moreover, listening fosters a culture of trust and understanding, leading to better collaboration and more successful outcomes.
