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

Summary

In this insightful podcast, Matt Abrahams interviews Julian Treasure, an expert on listening, speaking, and sound. Treasure emphasizes the importance of conscious listening for understanding and building relationships. He introduces RASA, a four-step process to improve listening and speaking skills, and discusses the unique nature of each person's listening filters. The conversation highlights the significance of adjusting communication to the audience and the power of voice in effective speaking.

Takeaways

• 👂 Listening is crucial for understanding and is the foundation of human relationships and learning.
• 📉 The absence of conscious listening can lead to entrenched opinions and a lack of new ideas or challenges to one's beliefs.
• 🤝 Barack Obama's quote emphasizes the importance of listening especially when in disagreement, a valuable attitude in today's world.
• 🗣️ RASA is a four-step process (Receive, Appreciate, Summarize, Ask) to improve listening and communication skills.
• 👀 During conversation, maintaining eye contact and showing interest non-verbally is important for effective listening.
• 🌐 Cultural differences can affect listening behaviors, such as the use of eye contact and body language.
• 🔍 Summarizing in conversations helps to clarify understanding and move discussions forward effectively.
• ❓ Asking open-ended questions is a way to engage in conversation and build bridges with others.
• 🎯 Before speaking, it's important to consider the unique listening environment of the audience to tailor the message effectively.
• 💡 The concept of 'speaking into a listening' suggests being sensitive to the audience's state and adjusting communication accordingly.
• 🎙️ Breathing exercises and vocal warm-ups can significantly enhance the power and control of one's voice for speaking.

Q & A

What is the name of the podcast where Matt Abrahams and Julian Treasure are having a conversation?

The podcast is called 'Think Fast, Talk Smart'.

What is Julian Treasure known for in the context of this podcast?

Julian Treasure is known for being an expert on listening, speaking, and sound, and for his five TED Talks that have been viewed over 100 million times.

What is the acronym RASA stand for and what does it represent in the context of communication?

RASA stands for Receive, Appreciate, Summarize, Ask, which is a four-step process Julian Treasure teaches to be a more effective listener and communicator.

What does Julian Treasure suggest as the first step in the RASA acronym for effective listening?

The first step is 'Receive', which involves paying full attention to the person speaking, maintaining eye contact, and showing through body language that you are engaged in the conversation.

What is the purpose of the 'Appreciate' step in the RASA process?

The 'Appreciate' step involves making noises or visual signals that acknowledge the speaker, such as nodding, smiling, or saying 'uh-huh', which helps to maintain the flow of the conversation.

Can you explain the 'Summarize' step in the RASA process?

The 'Summarize' step involves using the word 'so' to consolidate understanding of what has been discussed, which helps to move the conversation forward by confirming shared understanding.

What is the final step in the RASA process and why is it important?

The final step is 'Ask', which encourages the listener to ask open-ended questions to engage more deeply with the speaker and to clarify or explore topics further.

What does Julian Treasure suggest for understanding the unique nature of each person's listening?

Julian Treasure suggests asking 'What's the listening I am speaking into?' to understand the unique filters and context that shape an individual's listening.

What is the importance of breathing in developing a powerful voice, according to Julian Treasure?

Breathing is crucial for voice control and power. Developing a breathing practice helps to extend the range of vocal control, which is essential for effective speaking.

What does Julian Treasure recommend to extend the range of one's voice?

Julian Treasure recommends practicing with different volumes, pacing, and intonation by reading aloud in a place where you won't disturb others, exaggerating these elements to train the voice.

What are the three key ingredients Julian Treasure believes go into a successful communication recipe?

The three key ingredients are content, delivery, and love, which means genuinely wishing well for the audience and giving them a valuable gift through communication.