Deep Listening - Impact beyond words - Oscar Trimboli

the hidden clues when you listen well in low trust group meetings

Feb 14, 2024

British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly discusses the art of listening in diplomatic meetings, emphasizing non-verbal cues and the power of silence. Key topics include team listening, longitudinal listening, and actionable insights for improving communication in workplace interactions.

16:34

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Episode guests

James Cleverly

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Focus on non-verbal cues: Body language, note-taking, and response delays reveal more than spoken words.

Team listening: Individual attentiveness and collaborative observation enhance listening effectiveness in workplace meetings.

Deep dives

Techniques of Effective Listening in Diplomatic Meetings

In diplomatic meetings, paying attention to subtle cues like body language, pauses, and tone of responses play a crucial role. Foreign Secretary James Cleverley describes the importance of longitudinal listening, noting the changes in language and body cues over time. Observing how Foreign Minister Wang Yi's officials respond, take notes, and react to discussions provides valuable insights beyond verbal communication. Cleverley's experience highlights the significance of active listening and understanding unspoken nuances in cross-cultural negotiations.

Introduction

3min

Enhancing Listening Skills in Group Meetings and Insights into Chinese Politics

3min

Interpreting Subtle Cues in Diplomatic Meetings for Influence

3min

Understanding the Nuances of Listening in Complex Group Interactions

6min

Reflection on Listening Techniques and Invitation to Win a Book on Diplomacy

2min

This episode of Deep Listening Impact Beyond Words explores the art of listening in diplomatic cross-cultural meetings, drawing insights from British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly's discussion with Cindy Yu on The Spectator's Chinese Whisper Podcast.

Key takeaways:

Focus on non-verbal cues: Ambassador Cleverly emphasizes that what people don't say, their body language, note-taking, and response delays are often more revealing than their spoken words. This applies not just to high-stakes diplomacy but also to everyday workplace meetings.
Team listening: Effective listening involves individual attentiveness and collaboration within your team.
The power of silence: Pay attention to pauses in the conversation. Their length, frequency, and placement can signal reflection, emphasis, cultural differences, or the weight of potential responses.
Longitudinal listening: Notice subtle changes in language, body language, and overall tone over time during extended negotiations or repeated meetings.

Actionable insights:

Reflect on your listening habits: How much attention do you pay to non-verbal cues?
Practice team listening: Discuss group observations and interpretations after meetings to gain a more comprehensive understanding.
Refine your pause awareness: Observe how others use pauses and experiment with your own pausing to enhance meaning and impact.

By applying these insights from diplomatic listening to your own workplace interactions, you can improve communication, build trust, and navigate complex situations more effectively.

Additional Resources

"Does China Care What Britain Thinks?" from The Spectator's Chinese Whisper Podcast hosted by Cindy Yu.

"Ambassadors: Thinking About Diplomacy From Machiavelli To Modern Times" by Robert Cooper.