Communicating with “Giraffe Ears”

Workshop Description

Effective communication is the foundation of every meaningful and trust-based relationship. In this workshop, you’ll explore the art of listening with “giraffe ears”—a metaphor for empathetic listening that transforms how we engage with others. You’ll learn essential communication skills such as active listening, non-judgment, and empathy, while discovering how to express your thoughts, needs, and desires with clarity, authenticity, and impact.

At the heart of successful communication is presence and authenticity. By staying connected to your feelings, values, and needs, you’ll create stronger, more genuine connections with students, colleagues, and parents alike. This workshop will guide you to reflect on your communication style and ask essential questions such as:

• What’s holding me back from having truly effective conversations with others?
• Are there habits I’ve fallen into that prevent deeper connections?
• How much of my communication is driven by old patterns that may no longer serve me?
• What triggers lead to unproductive reactions, and how can I shift these patterns?
• How can I transition from reacting to thoughtfully responding?
• How can I inspire a sense of possibility in others, so they feel more supported and optimistic?

We’ll focus on key EQ competencies, including Recognizing Patterns, Increasing Self-Empathy, Navigating Emotions, and Exercising Optimism. Through active listening and compassionate responses, you’ll gain tools to manage everyday interactions and challenging conversations with confidence. You’ll learn to listen not just to words, but also to the emotions and underlying needs, empowering you to build trust, resolve conflicts, and achieve positive outcomes.