An Unexpected Way to…get people listening
Most people think that being heard is about talking louder, being more forceful or repeating yourself until people finally listen. But what if the secret to being heard wasn’t about pushing harder, but about communicating smarter?
HOW CAN YOU GET PEOPLE LISTENING?
Some people seem to effortlessly command attention—not by speaking louder, but by speaking in a way that resonates. They instinctively read the room, adjust their tone, and shape their message to fit the listener. This adaptability makes them trusted, persuasive, and memorable. As a result, their ideas are noticed, their opinions valued, and their relationships stronger. They don’t struggle to be heard—because they speak in a way people naturally want to listen to.
“People who are naturally listened to are adaptable, emotionally intelligent, clear, engaging storytellers who speak with confidence, without ego, and listen before they respond.”
Other people struggle to be heard because they communicate only in their own style, without considering how others process information. They may talk too much or too little, overwhelm with details, or lack confidence in their delivery. Some come across as too forceful or rigid, making people instinctively resist their message. As a result, they feel ignored, undervalued, and frustrated, often repeating themselves without impact. Their ideas go unnoticed - not because they lack value, but because they fail to connect.
If this resonates and you want to learn how to engage people so they hang off your every word, here’s an unexpected way to be heard…
THE LYREBIRD METHOD
Deep in the forests of Australia, the lyrebird has mastered the art of being heard - not by being the loudest, but by being the most adaptable. This bird can mimic almost any sound, from other birds to chainsaws, effortlessly blending into its surroundings. By matching the sounds of its environment, it gains trust, avoids threats, and attracts mates. Its survival depends on its ability to speak the language of its listener—a skill that makes it impossible to ignore.
How can the lyrebird method help you?
Like the lyrebird, you don’t need to shout louder to be heard - you just need to adapt how you communicate so others naturally listen. Instead of expecting people to understand you on your terms, observe how they naturally process information and adjust your message to fit. Speak their language, match their rhythm, and frame your ideas in a way that resonates. When you stop forcing communication and start flowing with it, people don’t just hear you - they truly listen.
Oprah Winfrey: The Lyrebird of Human Connection
Oprah Winfrey is one of the most influential communicators of all time—not because she talks the most, but because she adapts her communication to suit the moment. She instinctively mirrors her audience, adjusting her tone, energy, and delivery to create instant connection and trust.
When interviewing world leaders or experts, she speaks slowly and thoughtfully, using deep, reflective questions to match their analytical style.
When speaking to everyday people, she simplifies ideas and uses warmth and relatable language, making her message accessible.
When engaging with high-energy guests or entertainers, she matches their enthusiasm, keeping the conversation lively and engaging.
When discussing emotional topics, she slows down, lowers her voice, and creates a sense of safety that encourages openness.
By adapting to the person in front of her, Oprah ensures that every listener feels understood, respected, and engaged. But it’s not just her tone and energy—she also frames her message in a way that resonates with each audience. If she wants to inspire action, she tells a personal story. If she wants to explain a complex idea, she breaks it down into simple, digestible points. If she wants to challenge someone, she does it with curiosity rather than confrontation.
Oprah doesn’t force her voice onto others—she tunes into how they naturally listen and speaks in a way that lands with impact. Just like the lyrebird, she has mastered the art of mirroring, adapting, and being truly heard.
If you want to integrate this method into your everyday life, here’s a 3-step ‘Be Like the Lyrebird’ strategy you can try now…
STEP 1
Tune in before you speak
Before talking, observe how the other person naturally communicates - focus on their tone, pace, and choice of words. Studies show that active listening builds trust and strengthens relationships by making others feel understood. When people feel heard, they become more receptive - meaning they’re far more likely to listen in return.
STEP 2
Mirror their communication style
Adapt your language, energy, and delivery to match the person you’re speaking to. Research on neural mirroring shows that when we subtly match someone’s tone and rhythm, their brain perceives us as more relatable and trustworthy. This lowers resistance and makes your message more impactful, without needing to push harder.
STEP 3
Wrap your message in a story
People remember stories 22 times more than facts alone because storytelling activates multiple areas of the brain, increasing emotional connection and recall. Instead of listing facts or making demands, frame your point as a relatable narrative. When people emotionally engage with your message, they don’t just hear it—they internalise it.
NEED HELP? BOOK A PRIMAL NATURE COACHING SESSION
If you’ve ever felt ignored, misunderstood, or frustrated that people don’t listen, the problem isn’t your ideas—it’s how they’re being delivered.
Our Primal Nature Coaching Programme helps you adapt your communication style, so your words actually land. Using our innovative personality profiling system and Connection Packs, we teach you how to speak in a way people naturally understand.
Our expert coaches help you identify your strengths, decode how others listen, and build instant trust and influence. Whether in work, relationships, or social settings, mastering this skill transforms the way you connect. If you’re ready to be truly heard, book a coaching session today and unlock the power of connection.