S5E6: Mastering the Art of Listening in Relationships w/ Guest, David Cooke

Dave Cooke is a seasoned business consultant and communication expert with a focus on improving listening behaviors.

With over forty years of experience in sales, relationship development, and strategic advising, Dave excels in helping organizations and leaders enhance communication and problem-solving through his Selfless Listening program. This program aids in building trust, fostering better relationships, and promoting effective teamwork and collaboration.

Additionally, Dave has successfully applied these techniques in assisting parents with children facing substance abuse challenges.

His guiding principle, "open your eyes, ears, heart, and mind," underpins his belief that effective listening can transform interactions and relationships. Dave is also an accomplished podcaster, author, speaker, and executive coach

Summary

In this episode, Andrea and David Cooke discuss the importance of listening in effective communication. They explore the difference between listening and hearing, and the impact of technology on listening skills. They also discuss the power of nonverbal cues and the importance of silence in communication. Additionally, they share insights on effective communication in relationships and navigating communication challenges. The conversation explores the importance of creating a safe space for authenticity and active listening. It provides insights on improving listening skills in a Zoom era and being an active listener without a mirror. The conversation also discusses the significance of flipping the phone over as a signal of attention and the importance of being authentic in communication.

Takeaways

• Listening is a key element in effective communication and building trust.

  
  



• Nonverbal cues, such as eye contact and facial expressions, play a crucial role in active listening.

  
  



• Technology can be a distraction in communication, and it is important to create boundaries to stay present in conversations.

  
  



• Internalizing information and demonstrating understanding are essential in effective listening.

  
  



• Effective communication in relationships requires understanding and respecting each other's communication styles and setting clear expectations. Create a safe space for others to be authentic by being authentic yourself.

  
  



• Practice active listening in virtual meetings by focusing on the other person's face and body language.

  
  



• Improve listening skills by avoiding distractions like phones and watches.

  
  



• Flipping the phone over can signal to the other person that you are giving them your full attention.

  
  



• Be authentic in your communication and don't try to be someone you're not.

  
  

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Importance of Listening

04:04 The Importance of Listening and Building Trust

05:11 Recognizing Active Listening

06:19 Nonverbal Cues of Active Listening

08:06 Understanding Facial Expressions

09:20 Dealing with Distractions

11:12 The Impact of Technology on Listening

13:34 The Difference Between Listening and Hearing

14:55 The Power of Internalizing Information

18:40 Balancing Body Language and Verbal Affirmations

21:28 The Importance of Silence in Communication

25:10 Effective Communication in Relationships

28:01 Understanding Differences in Communication Styles

30:42 Setting Clear Expectations in Communication

34:25 Navigating Communication Challenges in Relationships

38:03 Creating a Safe Space for Authenticity

40:20 Improving Listening Skills in a Zoom Era

41:23 Being an Active Listener without a Mirror

43:49 Flipping the Phone Over as a Signal of Attention

45:30 Being Authentic in Communication

50:12 Creating a Safe Space for Authenticity

For more information: 

[email protected]

https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidcooke/

https://www.thecookegroupllc.com/