Good communicators know how to listen. But listening is not only done with your ears. When you really want to hear your audience, sometimes it helps to "turn the sound down" and focus on everything besides the words.
If you want to learn how to be a better presenter, try this latest one-minute public speaking tip to improve your listening skills. You can read the video transcription below.
Today’s 45-second lesson could also be called “turn the sound down.”
I’ve been living in Italy now for 3 months and one thing I’ve noticed is that I’ve become much more relaxed when I go into a store. I’m not so worried if I don’t understand every word or every 3rd word that the shopkeeper says.
I’ve turned the sound down so I can look and listen to much more than just the words. I’m listening for tone of voice, I’m watching facial expressions, I’m looking at body language, I’m taking in the entire scene – everything but the words – so that I can figure out what’s going on.
This is the same thing you can do with your audience when you want to suss out: Are they getting my message? Turn the sound down and don’t worry about the words. Watch the facial expression, listen for the tone of voice, look at their body language.
Then, you can ask them: Are you getting this? And then listen for the words.
Try this and let me know how it works out.
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