Public Listening: The Missing Piece in Communication

The other day, I was having a conversation with a friend about public speaking—something I’ve spent over a decade helping people master.

We were deep into discussing what makes a great speaker when I shared a simple but powerful truth:

Public speaking isn’t just about how well you say something. It’s about how well the audience understands it.

And then, a new thought struck me…

For every speaker, there is an audience. If someone speaks in public, they are a public speaker.

But what about the people listening?

If you’re in the audience, absorbing information, then you are a public listener.

And yet, no one talks about public listening.

Why Public Listening Matters

Most people dread public speaking. It’s one of the most common fears—right up there with spiders and heights.

But here’s something we don’t think about enough:

We spend far more time listening than speaking.

Think about it:

• You sit through meetings where colleagues present new ideas.
• You attend lectures from professors.
• You listen to pitches, updates, and training sessions.
• You hear keynote speakers at conferences.

We’re constantly in the audience. So why aren’t we better at listening?

Not every speaker is engaging. Some presentations are dull, overloaded with slides, or lack energy.

But what if, buried beneath a monotone delivery, was an idea that could change your business, relationships, or even your life?

Wouldn’t you want to hear it?

If you become a better public listener, you can extract value—even from the driest presentations.

The Three Levels of Listening

Next time you catch yourself zoning out in a meeting or conference, check in on your level of listening.

Level 1: Passive Hearing

You’re physically in the room, but mentally elsewhere. Maybe you’re scrolling through your phone or daydreaming. You might look like you’re paying attention, but your mind is checked out.

Level 2: Selective Listening

You tune in and out. Some parts catch your attention, but your thoughts wander. You catch pieces of the message but aren’t fully engaged.

Level 3: Active Listening

You’re fully present and engaged. You’re taking notes, nodding, and thinking critically about what’s being said.

The goal? Get to Level 3.

Even if the speaker isn’t great, you can train yourself to focus on the content rather than the delivery.

How to Become a Level 3 Public Listener

If we can become better public listeners, we can learn more, grow faster, and make stronger connections. Here’s how:

1. Look Beyond the Speaker’s Style

Not every speaker is dynamic. Some may speak in a monotone voice. Others might read directly from slides. Instead of tuning out, train yourself to listen for the message rather than focusing on the delivery.

2. Identify Key Takeaways

Ask yourself:

• What is the main idea this speaker is trying to communicate?
• How does this apply to my life or work?
• What is one insight I can walk away with?

This shifts your mindset from criticizing the speaker to extracting value.

3. Take Mental or Written Notes

Writing things down forces your brain to engage. Jot down key points, thought-provoking questions, or even ways the speaker could improve.

4. Observe Communication Techniques

Great public speakers use:

• Pacing – A rhythm that keeps the audience engaged.
• Tone & Melody – Vocal variety that prevents monotony.
• Body Language – Movement that reinforces their message.

When a speaker isn’t doing these things, note how their presentation could improve. This helps you stay engaged and become a better speaker yourself.

5. Be Present

Active listening is a choice.

The next time you find yourself zoning out, snap back in. Sit up straight. Make eye contact. Engage with the speaker—even if they don’t know you’re doing it.

The Future of Public Listening

For over a decade, I’ve been teaching people how to be better public speakers. But what if I also trained people to become better public listeners?

• What if conferences hired me to help audiences get more from presentations?
• What if companies trained employees to listen more effectively to their managers?
• What if investors learned to listen beyond the pitch deck to uncover real potential?

Public listening could be the missing piece in effective communication.

Are You Up for the Challenge?

Next time you find yourself in an audience, challenge yourself:

Can you get to Level 3 listening?

Instead of zoning out, engage. Instead of dismissing a “boring” speaker, find the value in what they’re saying.

You might be surprised by what you discover.

Are you in?

Let’s start listening better—together.