How to be Heard summary

When you’re saying something and no one’s listening, it can leave you feeling utterly defeated. So let’s see how you can improve your communication skills by first looking at some common pitfalls that should be avoided.

We often use hyperboles, like “amazing” and “genius,” to describe normal, everyday things like a new pair of shoes. We do this to get a favorable reaction or to impress others, but it also devalues the true meaning of the words, thereby making them less effective.

People love to debate how much of our strengths and weaknesses are determined by genetics. Naturally, our aptitude for listening and speaking has also entered into this discussion. However, research has shown that our ability to listen is determined more by our personal experiences than our genes.

In studying the lives of twins, the data suggests that their abilities are directly determined by their own unique experiences. Even identical twins with nearly identical genes and a similar upbringing can develop very different listening skills.

Do you know someone who avoids movies with a lot of dialogue because he finds them hard to follow? Or maybe you work with someone who’s always asking others to explain what just happened in a meeting. These are just some of the telltale signs that a person could use some help improving their listening skills.

Fortunately, there are some quick tips that can help anyone become a better listener.

Even though speaking and listening go hand in hand, society places a greater emphasis on how to talk. And since we’ve already covered some strategies for better listening, let’s look at how to improve your chances of being heard.

One of the best methods to ensure you are being heard is to employ classic storytelling tropes, such that your words resonate with your audience.

In our current culture, pop stars and actors are put on a pedestal, based on the broad assumption that they were born with a natural talent for performing. But there’s no reason to buy into this misconception. The truth is, performance is a skill.

So if you can’t stand public speaking now, there are ways to improve.