56. Are You Really Listening? Here’s How to Do It Better (Nicole Lowenbraun)

In this episode of the Ideas on Stage podcast we spoke with Nicole Lowenbraun.   Nicole offers a unique perspective on why what you say and how you say it matters, because she’s equal parts speech-language pathologist and business communication expert. Nicole has coached and written for thousands of clients, most of whom top the Fortune 100, with a focus on helping clients find their most authentic and powerful voice. After decades of helping others master their expressive communication skills, Nicole realized the business community (herself, included) was widely neglecting the receptive side of communication – listening. She’s now committed to teaching the world the value of improving both sides of the communication equation and continues to nurture her own skills as a writer, speaker, and listener. With a Master’s in Communication Disorders, Nicole is passionate about fostering more inclusive communication in the workplace, especially with neurodiverse populations. Nicole believes that acceptance of communication differences and a commitment to constant progress is the key to a happier future of work, regardless of industry, role, or experience. Nicole lives in Brooklyn with her plants and is a proud “pizza bagel”: half Italian-Catholic, half Polish-Jewish. She puts the Star of David on top of her Christmas tree. In this episode we talked about how to improve our listening skills.   Key takeaways: - The Vital Role of Listening- Roadblocks to Becoming Great Listeners- Why Active Listening isn't Enough - The Art of Adapting Listening to Others- One Question to Improve Your Listening   We hope you enjoy it! ———————Links: - Adaptive Listening by Nicole Lowenbraun and Maegan Stephens: https://amzn.eu/d/fIjY3kv- Adaptive Listening website: https://www.duarte.com/resources/books/adaptive-listening/ - The S.A.I.D. Listening Style Finder™: https://su.vc/adaptivelistening   Nicole Lowenbraun’s social bios:- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicole_lowenbraun/?hl=en - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicole.lowenbraun - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-lowenbraun-ms-ccc-slp-22016432/   Maegan Stephens’ social bios:- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maeganstephens?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maegan.stephens - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/maeganstephens/   Recommended books: - Nonviolent Communication by Marshall B Rosenberg- If I Understood You, Would I Have This Look on My Face? by Alan Alda ———————IDEAS ON STAGE RESOURCES   Want to inspire your audience, increase your influence, and make a bigger impact?   - Read the Confident Presenter book: https://amzn.eu/d/bKswMEe - To make the most of the book, take the Confident Presenter Scorecard to assess you presentation skills in less than 3 minutes, for free: https://ideasonstage.com/score - Attend the next Ideas on Stage web class: https://www.ideasonstage.com/uk/masterclass     #IdeasOnStagePodcast #listening #ListeningSkills #AdaptiveListening #CommunicationSkills