In an age when quality conversation is more necessary than ever, Deep Listening is proving to be a radical new practice. It creates real empathy and stops the crowd in their tracks. This approach was developed by a Senior Visiting Research Fellow at King’s College Policy Institute in London and a Visiting Scholar at Columbia University. It underscores how deadly lack of reflection can be, particularly in our conversations. Adding short breaks of three to ten seconds can dramatically reduce your heart rate and blood pressure. These moments of pause help to improve your general participation in meetings as well.
Deep Listening confronts the natural inclination we all have to meet someone else’s difficulties by talking about our own similar journey. It is natural for people to assume when they empathize they should share their own like stories. True empathy only comes from deep listening, a principle that’s central to The Deep Listening approach. It challenges us to resist the urge to write from our own experiences immediately. This new underlying assumption leads to a more substantive relationship between designers and the people they’re designing for, creating a space for greater empathy and true advocacy.
Deep Listening grew out of the firsthand experiences of its creator. As an accredited executive coach and workplace mediator, their creation of this impactful practice is no fluke. These backgrounds shape the approach’s focus on patience and reflection, equipping people with the practical tools to foster more productive conversations. Take a second and think before you answer. This will allow you time for deeper reflection and result in more meaningful discussions.
Science hasn’t stopped proving the physiological advantages of taking short breaks while responding to stimuli. Research has found that deep, three to ten second breaths can help reduce heart rate and blood pressure. Trying this out simple meditation can really help you achieve a more peaceful mood. This is especially helpful during times of crisis when the pressures and stressors can make open and productive conversations challenging. By leveraging these breaks, communicators deepen their gravity and attentiveness in discussions.
Effective communication is clearly foundational in any relationship, whether interpersonal or professional. It’s become a major buzzword in health, education, urban planning, and beyond. Journalists, media executives, and communication directors all aim to tell stories that resonate with people’s hearts and minds. The Deep Listening practice holds numerous lessons for practitioners in these fields. With these skills, they can skillfully deepen their relationships, getting more comfortable with uncomfortable conversations and growing in their ability to listen with empathy and understanding.
Deep Listening helps you not jump in and start problem-solving or sharing your own story immediately. Rather, it convinces them to look beyond that, and to think about how to really understand the speaker’s emotions and intentions. This is in keeping with the idea that listening is a lifelong skill that can always be improved. The practice of deep listening requires time, focus, openness, and a desire to understand where other people are coming from.
Society is increasingly burdened by the challenges caused by miscommunication. By embracing practices such as Deep Listening, we can revolutionize the way people engage with one another. It provides helpful guidance for navigating some of the stickier territory that comes from more emotional engagement in interpersonal exchange. Mindfulness practitioners will not be disappointed, as they will discover that this approach provides tools not only for developing empathy but for promoting their own flourishing.