Help Your Audience Listen BetterWhy Curiosity Is the Key to Connection and LeadershipEpisode 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.

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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.

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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, conversation, persuasion, negotiation, sales conversations, marketing, team meetings, social media, branding, self talk and more.

Your host is George Torok

George is a specialist in communication skills. Especially presentation. He’s fascinated by the links between communication and influencing behaviors. He delivers training and coaching programs to help leaders and promising professionals deliver the intended message for greater success.

Connect with George

www.SpeechCoachforExecutives.com

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

https://www.youtube.com/user/presentationskills

https://www.instagram.com/georgetorok/