Supercharge Your Conversations with Loud Listening
Of all the ‘be a better human’ strategies I've stumbled upon this year, "loud listening" has been the most powerful and sticky. David Brooks introduced this approach in his article Essential Skills for Being Human, and it has revolutionized my personal and professional interactions. Think of it as active listening supercharged: a bolder, more expressive way of engaging with others—one that fuels understanding, strengthens bonds and makes conversations way more fun.
As someone who has often been accused of wearing my heart on my sleeve, loud listening is a perfect fit. It gives me permission to be my authentic, expressive self, while truly connecting with others.
At a recent conference, loud listening transformed how I connected with others. I was fully present in each conversation, asking thoughtful questions and engaging enthusiastically.. I bypassed much of the usual small talk and pitches and dove into more meaningful discussions. This led to unexpected insights, genuine connections, and a deeper understanding of fellow attendees. Conferences can be draining experiences, but loud listening energized and fulfilled me—a surprising bonus!
At home, it's been equally transformative. Loud listening has helped me tune out distractions and be fully present with my kids, even at the end of the day when my mind is racing with other responsibilities.
What ‘loud listening’ looks like:
Show you're all in: Reflect their energy by nodding enthusiastically, mirroring their facial expressions, and leaning towards them.
Channel your inner journalist: Ask open-ended questions that dig deeper: "What was the most surprising part of that?" "How did that make you feel?" "What do you think happens next?"
Shower verbal sunshine: "Wow, that's amazing!" "Tell me everything!" “Ahhh.” "I'm so curious to hear more."
Explore their world: Let go of your own assumptions and be genuinely curious about their unique perspective.
Think about a recent conversation you had. How much of it was truly engaging? Did you feel genuinely connected with the other person?
In his article "The Essential Skills for Being Human," Brooks challenges us to listen so actively you're burning calories." This resonated so deeply. It's about more than just hearing the words, it's about leaning in fully — giving your undivided attention and energy to the conversation and making the other person feel truly seen, heard, and valued. Loud listening quiets the mental chatter, tunes out distractions, and creates an environment where genuine connections can thrive.
But the benefits don't stop there. "Loud Listening" has a ripple effect that can create a more positive and productive workplace:
Deeper Connections: Loud listening creates a space where people feel truly seen and heard. It's a pathway to genuine connection and understanding.
Stronger Relationships: When people feel valued and understood, relationships flourish. Loud listening is a powerful tool for building trust and rapport.
A Culture of Belonging: Whether in the workplace or your personal life, loud listening signals, "I see you, I hear you, and you matter." This fosters a sense of belonging that's vital for strong teams and meaningful relationships.
Ready to infuse more energy and connection into your workplace? Schedule a free consultation today and discover how we can partner to revolutionize your team's communication and culture.
