Help Your Audience Listen Better Why Curiosity Is the Key to Connection and Leadership Episode 263 (Meaghan is based in Chicago) In this conversation with Meaghan Benjamin we explore: • The difference between credibility and rapport — and why both matter in leadership. • How communication habits are formed and the importance of adapting them. • • What it means to practice agile communication in today’s digital world. • How curiosity fosters connection, learning, and innovation. • Why tone, gestures, and delivery shape how others receive your message. • How to use the Know–Feel–Do framework to craft more persuasive messages. • Ways to build fast rapport in emotionally or professionally high-stakes settings. • The four levels of listening and how to move conversations to a deeper level. • How to help your audience become better listeners by how you speak. • The challenge and opportunity of virtual communication for modern professionals. ----- About our guest, Meaghan Kane Benjamin: Meaghan holds a master’s in Speech and Hearing Science and Psychology from THE Ohio State University She’s the CEO and Co-Founder of Studio Reinvent, where she co-developed the Agile Communication™ methodology which brings science of communication and the art of showing up to transform how leaders connect, influence, and inspire. You can learn more about her program at https://www.studioreinvent.com/ ----- Key Lessons from this conversation: • Credibility vs Rapport • Rapport creates emotional connection; credibility is built by consistent follow-through. • Communication as Habit + Adaptability • Effective communication adapts to the context and people involved. • Agile Communication Framework • A methodology based on science, systems thinking, and storytelling. • The Power of Curiosity • Authentic curiosity drives rapport, empathy, and innovation. • Tone Is More Than Words • Tone, gestures, and expression shape how your message is received. • The Know-Feel-Do Framework • Define what you want the audience to know, feel, and do. Let the "feel" and "do" guide your messaging. • Build Rapport Fast in High-Stakes Moments • Especially in healthcare and business pitches, rapport often matters more than content volume. • Listening as a Shared Responsibility • It's not just about being a better speaker — help others become better listeners too. • Four Levels of Listening • From small talk (Level 1) to generative collaboration (Level 4). • Virtual Communication Challenges • With screens reducing non-verbal cues, intentional delivery matters more than ever. ----- ----more---- Your Intended Message is the podcast about how you can boost your career and business success by honing your communication skills. We’ll examine the aspects of how we communicate one-to-one, one to few and one to many – plus that important conversation, one to self. In these interviews we will explore presentation skills, public speaking, ...