How often are you so consumed in your thoughts that you have forgotten to notice what is happening around you?
You may be so consumed by your thoughts, that you are going through the motions.
I read this recently in a novel, “The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn’t said.”
I think about it often since finishing that novel.
In a meeting, talking to a friend, with a family member — how often are we really listening to what is being said, and how much are we reading into what ISN’T being said.
The non-verbal cues.
When someone’s body language changes.
When they speak up and are shut down.
When a man talks over a woman.
What may not be said is:
“I don’t feel heard.”
”You are not listening.”
”My opinion does not matter.”
Sometimes an individual will be vulnerable and speak up, but often what they are really saying isn’t being said directly.
How can we be better communicators and listen for what is not being said?
It takes practice.
It means full focused listening.
It means being present and watching those around us. What is their body language telling us? What are they not saying?
What are you not saying?
