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    How to Be a Better Listener and Be More Present

    20 min
    |
    |
    Apr 16, 2026
    Communication skillPsychologySelf-growth

    Learn how to be a better listener and improve presence in conversation. Master active listening and mindful communication to build stronger connections today.

    How to Be a Better Listener and Be More Present

    Best quote from How to Be a Better Listener and Be More Present

    “

    Listening is a skill, not a personality trait, and we can move from being robotic to genuinely engaged by shifting our intention from listening to respond to listening to learn.

    ”

    This audio lesson was created by a BeFreed community member

    Input question

    How to be a better listener and be more present?

    Host voices
    Lenaplay
    Eliplay
    Learning style
    Fun
    Knowledge sources
    How to be a better listener | Vox
    link
    https://www.vox.com/advice/483744/active-listening-skills-curiosity-distractions
    Listening to others: 5 ways to become a better listener — Calm Blog
    link
    https://www.calm.com/blog/listen-deeply
    Distinguishing the Attentional Mechanisms of Distinct Mindfulness States: A Computational Modeling Comparison of Focused Attention and Open Monitoring | Mindfulness | Springer Nature Link
    link
    https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12671-026-02781-2?error=cookies_not_supported&code=6a584d27-83a3-4e52-ac9f-ddf24da3d172
    The 4-Week Presence Challenge: Practical Exercises to Transform Your Leadership Impact — Sheila R. Carmichael, MCC, Executive Coach and Blindspot Strategist
    link
    https://www.sheilacarmichael.com/all-blog-posts/the-4-week-presence-challenge-practical-exercises-to-transform-your-leadership-impact
    Elevate Your Voice & Presence - Communicate & Captivate-mVm Miller Voice Method-Online Voice Lessons for Speakers & Actors | mVm Coaching
    link
    https://www.millervoicemethod.com/blog/the-power-of-presenceand-practical-tools-to-develop-it

    Frequently Asked Questions

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    "Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

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    "Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

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    "Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

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    "Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

    @Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
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    "Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

    @djmikemoore
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    "BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

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    "The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

    @Leo, Law Student, UPenn
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    "Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

    @Cashflowbubu
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    "Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

    @Moemenn
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    "I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

    @Chloe, Solo founder, LA
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    117

    "Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

    @Raaaaaachelw
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    "Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

    @Matt, YC alum
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    108

    "Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

    @Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
    platform
    comments
    254
    likes
    17

    "Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

    @djmikemoore
    platform
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    "BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

    @Pitiful
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    "BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

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    "The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

    @Leo, Law Student, UPenn
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    "Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

    @Cashflowbubu
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    1.5K Ratings4.7
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    Featured book summaries
    Crucial ConversationsThe Perfect MarriageInto the WildNever Split the DifferenceAttachedGood to GreatSay Nothing
    Trending categories
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    Celebrities' reading list
    Elon MuskCharlie KirkBill GatesSteve JobsAndrew HubermanJoe RoganJordan Peterson
    Award winning collection
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    Featured Topics
    ManagementAmerican HistoryWarTradingStoicismAnxietySex
    Best books by Year
    2025 Best Non Fiction Books2024 Best Non Fiction Books2023 Best Non Fiction Books
    Learning tools
    Knowledge VisualizerAI Podcast Generator
    Featured authors
    Chimamanda Ngozi AdichieGeorge OrwellO. J. SimpsonBarbara O'NeillWinston ChurchillCharlie Kirk
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    Key Takeaways

    1

    The Reality Check on Why We Are Terrible Listeners

    0:00
    0:17
    0:28
    0:55
    1:14
    1:23
    1:43
    2:03
    2:24
    2

    Moving Beyond the Checklist of Active Listening

    2:30
    2:44
    2:54
    3:12
    3:21
    3:39
    3:49
    4:06
    4:18
    4:45
    5:02
    3

    The Cognitive Spotlight and the Science of Focus

    5:30
    5:41
    5:56
    5:59
    6:20
    6:28
    6:47
    7:00
    7:17
    6:28
    7:48
    7:58
    4

    Removing the Barriers to True Presence

    8:15
    8:27
    8:39
    6:28
    9:02
    9:12
    9:30
    9:43
    9:58
    10:04
    10:18
    10:26
    10:47
    5

    The Physicality of Listening and Body Language

    11:00
    11:09
    11:21
    11:40
    11:48
    12:06
    6:28
    12:38
    12:51
    13:05
    13:11
    13:31
    6

    Practical Hacks for Your Next Conversation

    13:45
    13:55
    13:59
    14:20
    14:27
    14:38
    6:28
    15:06
    15:12
    15:30
    15:40
    15:53
    10:26
    7

    Dealing with the Blabbermouths and the Non-Listeners

    16:13
    16:29
    16:41
    16:48
    17:09
    6:28
    17:33
    17:38
    17:53
    18:02
    18:21
    18:29
    8

    Closing Reflections on the Gift of Attention

    18:46
    7:58
    19:19
    19:33
    19:50
    20:07
    20:16
    20:26
    20:35
    20:41

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