This is an iHeart Podcast. Hey listeners, today's tip is powered by National University.
As a listener of Before Breakfast, you know my goal is to help you make the most of your day without sacrificing work or family time.
That's why I'm so happy to introduce an institution that shares the same values.
If you are thinking about going back to school, you're probably wondering how to fit it all in.
National's flexible online formats, four and eight-week courses, and monthly class starts help you begin your degree sooner, finish faster, and do it all on your own schedule. so you have more options for managing work, family, and school.
With over 150 degrees, credentials, and certificates to choose from, they have a program that fits your career goals.
Learn more today at nu.edu. Welcome to Before Breakfast, a production of iHeart Radio.
Good morning. This is Laura. Welcome to the Before Breakfast podcast.
Today's tip is to be a hungry listener. Whether you're talking with a loved one or attending a presentation, let the speaker feel your desire to hear what they are saying.
You'll help them and probably enjoy the experience more as well.
So there's a wonderful passage in Zora Neale Hurston's novel, Their Eyes Were Watching God, when two old friends, Janie and Phoebe, are talking after time apart.
During this time, Janie had a series of intensely joyful and heartbreaking experiences.
And the narrative voice explains, Phoebe's hungry listening helped Janie to tell her story.
I like that. Janie wants her friend to know what she has experienced and felt.
And she wants to process all that's happened.
And Phoebe's hungry listening makes that possible.
I'm sure we've all had similar experiences.
A friend or family member who seems truly interested in what you are saying can help you make sense of an event or of complicated feelings.
What a gift that is. But hungry listening isn't just for deep, life-altering conversations. good listeners can help anyone communicate more effectively.
I know I have had that experience while giving speeches.
I love to be able to see audience members' smiles and nods as they connect with what I am saying.
Inevitably, I wind up making way more eye contact with the smiling, nodding folks than with anyone else.
With virtual talks, I know that lots of folks like to turn their cameras off and relax while they're listening.
And I totally get that. but I do really appreciate when at least a few folks leave their cameras on so I can see that they are still with me.
Sometimes I've even asked if an organizer or two can leave their personal cameras on so I can see if my jokes are landing or not.
Since I know how helpful this active listening is for me as a speaker, I try to be a hungry listener when I'm in a situation of listening to someone else.
Yes, it's easy to check your messages or do other work or zone out.
But by looking carefully at the presenter, you can keep them on top of their game.
Show empathy if they say something moving. laugh if they say something funny. the presenter will feel encouraged, which means that they are going to give a better and more interesting talk.
They might possibly even give a more targeted talk.
If your body language shows when the person is saying something you are really into, and then you are a little less intense when they are off the mark. you're going to get a lot more out of a better presentation than one where the speaker is flying blind.
If you become known as a hungry listener, people are generally going to be more excited to share information with you.
There is so much competing for our attention, to be sure.
But it isn't that hard to actively listen and engage with people talking with you.
And who knows when you might pick up something interesting.
That is probably going to be a better use of time than scrolling around on the internet. again.
In the meantime, this is Laura. Thanks for listening.
And here's to making the most of our time.
Hey everybody, I'd love to hear from you.
You can send me your tips, your questions or anything else.
Just connect with me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram at beforebreakfastpod.
That's B-E, the number four, then breakfast, P-O-D.
You can also shoot me an email at beforebreakfastpodcasts at iheartmedia.com.
That before breakfast is spelled out with all the letters.
Thanks so much. I look forward to staying in touch.
Before Breakfast is a production of I Heart Radio.
For more podcasts from I Heart Radio, Visit the iHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.
Today's tip is powered by National University. you know my goal is to help you make the most of your day without sacrificing work or family time That's why I'm so happy to introduce an institution that shares the same values.
If you are thinking about going back to school, you're probably wondering how to fit it all in.
National's flexible online formats, four and eight-week courses, and monthly class starts help you begin your degree sooner, finish faster and do it all on your own schedule.
So you have more options for managing work, family and school.
With over 150 degrees, credentials, and certificates to choose from, they have a program that fits your career goals.
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