BENEVOLENT CREATIVE’s Post

7 - 38 - 55... 7 - 38 - 55... In 1971, Californian psychology professor Albert Mehrabian wrote about this in his book 'Silent Messages'. He had worked out through surveys, interviews and studies, that when we are trying to convey feeling and emotions in communication, that a significant percentage of how well these are conveyed depends or more than simply the words that are being said. Have a look at this findings 👇 👉7% is in the literal content of the message - the words themselves 👉38% is in 'the way the words are said' 👉55% consists of what we are seeing when we hear the words and the way the are said. Only 7% percent is associated with the words themselves and up to 93% as associated with non-verbal communication..! Mehrabian was very clear that this was focused squarely on how emotions and feelings are transmitted and received and not for all types of communication but, still academics and philosophers pull and pushed at his findings coming up with alternative percentages on the same theme. What is irrefutable is that our talks need more than words if we really want them to land, regardless of the accuracy of the percentages above So if you are creating a talk or a presentation and you need your audience to make a connection, to feel inspired to take action or to change behaviors, you have an opportunity... 🗣️On the words: Make sure you are getting every ounce of the 7% by following the arc of good story building. 🗣️On the way the words are said: In order to access that 38% you need to bring in our friends tone, pace, timbre, prosody - volume and silence, at the correct moments. 🗣️And to access that 55%: You need to use your body language in concert with the words, and how they are said, to add emphasis and texture. From our head & face, our arms and hands, our legs and feet. Where we stand and why, how we move and why... Working all of this in harmony will mean you have a far greater chance of your talk sticking and making a difference. Try it sometime...and if you need a hand, we are here to help you. Consult Crux #publicspeaking #connection #communication

"The most difficult people are often the ones who need the most compassion." 7 Key Lessons from "Handling Difficult People: Easy Instructions for Managing the Difficult People in Your Life" by Jon P. Bloch: 1. Identify Personality Types Understanding the different types of difficult people is crucial. Bloch categorizes various personalities, such as the Two-Face, the Aggressor, and the Know-It-All, which helps readers recognize and anticipate behaviors in others. 2. Stay Calm and Composed When dealing with difficult individuals, maintaining your composure is essential. Bloch emphasizes the importance of staying calm, as reacting emotionally can escalate the situation and make it harder to resolve conflicts. 3. Set Boundaries Establishing clear boundaries is vital when interacting with difficult people. Bloch advises readers to communicate their limits assertively, which can help prevent manipulation and maintain respect in relationships. 4. Use Active Listening Practicing active listening can defuse tension and show the difficult person that you value their perspective. Bloch suggests techniques such as paraphrasing and asking clarifying questions to demonstrate engagement and understanding. 5. Focus on Solutions Instead of dwelling on problems, Bloch encourages readers to shift the focus toward solutions. By collaboratively seeking resolutions, you can foster a more constructive dialogue and reduce conflict. 6. Practice Empathy Understanding the motivations behind a difficult person's behavior can lead to more effective interactions. Bloch highlights the importance of empathy, suggesting that recognizing their struggles can help you respond more compassionately. 7. Know When to Walk Away Sometimes, the best course of action is to remove yourself from the situation. Bloch emphasizes that it’s important to recognize when a conversation is unproductive and to disengage to protect your well-being. These lessons equip readers with practical tools to navigate challenging interactions, fostering healthier relationships and reducing stress in both personal and professional settings. #translation #interpreter #art #teaching #language #literature #book #Merillah k Kaavianiy

How many times has your confidence been mistaken for arrogance? Let’s Talk. 🗣️✨ Have you ever been in a situation where you felt misunderstood? Like, you were confident and meant well, but somehow, your words or actions didn’t come across that way? I’ve been there, and it really made me rethink how I communicate. It turns out, communication isn’t just about what we say it’s about how we make others feel. I used to think confidence alone would carry me through any conversation. But I realized that my tone and body language could sometimes send the wrong message. It wasn’t about my skills; it was my approach. Here’s what I learned: True communication is all about connection. Simple adjustments like softening my tone, opening up my body language, and really listening have changed how people respond to me. Now, I come across as a partner instead of a threat, and the difference has been huge. For anyone who’s faced similar challenges, here are a few things that have helped me: **Soften your tone: Slow down a bit, and make sure your voice reflects openness. **Open up your body language: Uncross your arms, lean in slightly it’s amazing how these small changes make a difference. **Listen more: Let people finish their thoughts, and show you’re hearing them. It goes a long way. **Use “we” language: It’s a small switch, but saying “we” instead of “I” makes people feel included. Have you ever felt misunderstood in a similar way? Let’s share stories and learn from each other! I’d love to hear what’s helped you connect better in conversations. #Communication #GrowthMindset #ConfidenceAndConnection #Empathy #LearningTogether

What if the solution was hidden in the silence? As I embark on a journey to improve my listening skills, Stephen Covey's wise words resonate deeply: "Seek first to understand, then to be understood." This principle has taught me that seeking to understand others sometimes provides solutions without offering advice, highlighting effective listening as a potent problem-solving tool. In today's fast-paced world, listening is more crucial than ever. It demands more than just our ears; it requires our eyes to observe beyond words and our heart to empathize. Effective listening unlocks hidden insights, revealing: 📍Unconscious biases: Recognizing ingrained assumptions that shape our perceptions. 📍Unspoken concerns: Addressing unvoiced fears, needs, and desires. 📍Diverse perspectives: Valuing unique experiences, cultures, and viewpoints. Leading to: - Profound understanding - Strengthened relationships - Informed decision-making As I learn to listen deeply, I've discovered the power of seeking to understand. However, a humbling question lingers: When someone shares their thoughts, am I genuinely hearing them or instinctively preparing my response? I'm committed to listening with intention and empathy. Join me on this path and together, let's: - Foster deeper connections - Uncover hidden solutions - Build a culture of understanding. #effectivelistening #emotionalintelligence

As professionals, we often emphasize the importance of being proactive, assertive, and constantly putting ourselves out there. However, amidst the hustle and bustle, it's crucial to remember the significance of stillness in our journey. Taking a moment to step back, recalibrate, and embrace a period of surrender can be just as impactful as pushing forward. In these moments of quiet reflection, where we choose to listen rather than speak, clarity emerges. While the narrative of self-promotion and assertiveness is prevalent, the art of listening is deemed passive or overlooked. True listening involves more than just hearing; it's about understanding, learning, and absorbing without the need to immediately respond or prove anything. Listening can be a powerful form of connection. In a world that values action and visibility, let's not forget the power of silence and receptivity. Sometimes, the most profound insights and growth come from the moments of stillness and attentive listening. Where I am in my learning curve I am embracing this stillness and curve the absorption of information through active listening. #ProfessionalDevelopment #ActiveListening #OpentoConnections

When you TRULY LISTEN, you can have generative #relationships – ones that creates possibilities even when things aren't rosy. Check out this 30 second read and the generative question you can use daily, at the end of this post. According to Otto Scharmer, there are Four Levels of #Listening. 1. You're at Level 1 when you're listening "only to" your own inner commentary (thoughts, ideas, assumptions, beliefs, past experiences or emotions).🗣 2. "Actually listening" to what is being said by the other, Factual Listening, takes you to Level 2; definitely better, but you’re still in your head. 👂 3. Pausing, keeping "you" aside and listening with your heart takes you to Level3, Empathic Listening. Now you might be able to see the other person’s perspective. For example, you might think, “Oh, I may not agree, but I can see how she sees this situation.” 💚 4. Finally, in Scharmer's words, "When you cross the threshold from Empathic to #GenerativeListening, Level 3 to 4, your listening becomes a holding space for bringing something new into reality that wants to be born. You listen with openness to what is unknown and emerging.” 💡 I like to compare it to a generator, something that generates electricity. What comes out is entirely different and way more magical than what you put in. 👩🔧 Use this question for 30 days with someone you might be having a difficult time with, see if it creates a #GreaterRelationship: 🙂 WHAT GENERATIVE LISTENING CAN I BE WITH ( __________ ) TODAY? Let me know what magic shows up! 🌈 #RelationshipCoaching #HealthyRelationships #RelationshipGoals #CouplesCoaching #BuildingTrust #PartnershipDevelopment #SupportiveRelationships #RelationshipWellness #AuthenticConnections

Are You Listening to Understand or to Reply? Stephen R. Covey once said, “Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.” And isn’t that so true? Think about it—how often do we find ourselves in conversations where, instead of truly hearing what the other person is saying, we’re busy crafting our response? It’s almost like we’re in a mental race to make our point rather than being fully present with the other person. But listening isn’t just about hearing words; it’s about understanding emotions, perspectives, and what’s really being said beneath the surface. When we listen to reply, we miss the opportunity to connect, empathize, and learn. On the other hand, when we listen to understand, we create space for meaningful communication and deeper relationships. So, the next time you’re in a conversation, pause and ask yourself: Am I really hearing what this person is trying to say? Am I giving them the respect and attention they deserve? Listening with the intent to understand requires patience, empathy, and an open mind. But it’s a skill that can transform not just conversations, but also the way we connect with others. Let’s strive to be the kind of listeners who make others feel heard, valued, and understood. #ListeningSkills #CommunicationMatters #Empathy #StephenCovey #IntentionalListening

Sometimes, what people truly need is simply someone to listen, without rushing in to fix things or pass judgment. 👂 When a young person confides in you after they have been a victim of crime, your natural inclination might be to jump in with study tips or problem-solving strategies. Instead, try something different: just listen. Why does this matter? Because active listening—engaging fully with someone, validating their emotions, and offering support without immediately offering solutions—can be incredibly powerful. 🙏 Here are three tips for active listening: 1. Practice empathetic listening: Put yourself in the speaker's shoes and try to understand their perspective without judgment. Show genuine interest in their thoughts and feelings by nodding, maintaining eye contact, and using affirming statements like "I understand" or "That sounds tough." 2.Avoid interrupting: Resist the urge to interject or offer advice while the young person is sharing their thoughts. Instead, focus on fully absorbing what they're saying. Give them the space to express themselves fully before responding. 3.Reflect and clarify: After the speaker has finished, summarise what they've said to ensure you've understood correctly. Ask clarifying questions to delve deeper into their thoughts or emotions. This demonstrates that you're actively engaged and committed to understanding their perspective. Remember, it's not about fixing their problems—it's about showing that you care and are there for them every step of the way. 👣 Want to feel more confident when dealing with disclosure and learn more about active listening skills? Visit our website for resources to help 👉 https://loom.ly/_NAmwrg #trustedyouthallies #trustedadults #youngpeople #traumainformedtraining #listen #support #empower #victimsofcrime

A thoughtful article with practical strategies about listening 👂 and making space for someone when they want to share: 💡 1. Practice ‘empathic listening’ 2. Verify what you’re hearing 3. Remember times you’ve been on the other side 4. Ask what they want out of the conversation 5. Consider if you’re ‘matching’ or ‘topping’ #EmpathicListening #EffectiveCommunication #EmotionalIntelligence Author: Caroline Bologna How To Fight The Urge to Make Everything About Yourself -

🌟 Embracing the Art of Listening 🌟 Yesterday, surrounded by wonderful friends, I was reminded of a simple yet profound truth: sometimes, the best way to support others is by simply being there, listening with an open heart, and offering your presence rather than your advice. 🤝❤️ As someone who naturally jumps into “problem-solving mode," I’ve often been driven by the desire to help, to ensure those around me feel their absolute best. But sometimes, we undervalue the power of holding space for others, listening without the urge to fix. 🎧✨ Our unique perspectives are exactly that—unique. What works for me might not resonate with someone else. Instead of immediately offering solutions, I've discovered the beauty in pausing, in giving others the time and safety to express themselves without fear of critique or judgement. 🕰️🗣️ The beautiful news is that neuroscience and psychology back this up! 🔬🧠 Research tells us two vital lessons: 1. **Empathetic Listening Improves Relationships** - When we actively listen, we validate the speaker's feelings, strengthening the emotional bond and trust between us. 2. **Silence Speaks Volumes** - Allowing moments of silence in conversations gives others the opportunity to self-reflect and discover their own solutions. ✨ Here are two evidence-based tips to enhance your listening skills and deepen your connections: ✨ - **Practice Mindful Listening**: Focus entirely on the person speaking, setting aside distractions. Make eye contact, provide affirming nods, and avoid interrupting. Let them know their voice matters. - **Embrace the Pause**: Resist the urge to fill every silence with words. Give people space to find clarity in their thoughts. Often, the most profound insights emerge from a pause. Learning to listen actively and empathetically is a journey, one that I'm grateful to be on. By understanding the power of simply being present, we not only learn more about ourselves but also allow others to feel seen, heard, and valued. 🌱🌍 Together, let’s commit to being more understanding, kinder, and ultimately, better listeners. Here's to personal growth, stronger relationships, and celebrating the beauty in our shared human experiences. 💪💞 #EmpathyInAction #ActiveListening #PersonalGrowth #StrongerTogether