Understanding Human-Centric Communication

27 Oct

Author: Louise Baxter - Two minute read

Unlocking the Power of Communication with Nick Looby: Consumer Friend Podcast Special

In this week’s episode of the Consumer Friend podcast, we dive deep into the world of communication with expert and more importantly our friend Nick Looby! Nick is a dynamic speaker who knows just how important effective communication is—not only in business but in every part of our lives. If you have ever struggled to make yourself heard or have felt overwhelmed in today’s noisy world, this episode is for you.

Who is Nick Looby?

Nick Looby is a communication expert with over a decade of experience helping top organisations like HSBC, BBC, and Procter & Gamble enhance their communication strategies. But it is not just about business for Nick; his approach to communication impacts how we interact at work, with family, and even with ourselves.

Using psychology, storytelling, and practical strategies, Nick guides audiences to unlock their natural communication skills for personal and professional growth. His book Modern Zombies invites readers to rethink their communication habits, making a strong case for cutting through the digital noise and returning to meaningful, impactful conversations. He also makes it easy and simple to understand.

Having worked with Nick before, Nick teaches, among other things...

The Fundamentals of Effective Communication: Nick refocuses on the core elements of communication that we often overlook. Whether it's active listening, body language, or choosing the right words, his insights will help you become a more effective communicator in every aspect of your life.
The Pitfalls of Modern Communication: In an era of constant distractions and endless notifications, Nick shares how to avoid becoming one of the “modern zombies” who mindlessly drift through conversations without real connection.
How to Leverage Communication for Success: Nick’s practical tips will give you the tools to improve your interactions at work and at home, boosting both your relationships and your professional results.
Courage and Purpose in Communication: Nick discusses how to communicate with greater courage and purpose, helping you deliver messages that resonate deeply with your audience—whether it’s one-on-one or in front of a crowd.[AC1]

Why This Matters

At Consumer Friend, we know that communication is key to everything from consumer rights, customer services, supporting consumer vulnerability, personal connections, and personal well-being. That is why we’re thrilled to have Nick Looby share his time and approach with us. His humorous, insightful, and action-oriented advice will make you think about and help you transform the way you connect with others.

Make a Difference with Your Communication

Nick’s expertise in human interaction is the way forward in a world where everything is text, or quick written communication. Nick reminds us about personal connection, people, body language and how valuable it is to take the time to actually talk to people.

Research into communication suggests that a large portion of our interaction is non-verbal, with the breakdown often presented as follows:

Verbal Communication (Words): Around 7% of the overall communication impact comes from the actual words spoken.
Paraverbal Communication (Tone, Pitch, and Speed): Around 38% of communication is given to the tone of voice, pitch, speed, and emphasis of the spoken message.
Non-Verbal Communication (Body Language): Approximately 55% of communication is conveyed through body language, including facial expressions, gestures, posture, and eye contact.

So what does this mean????

Basically, face to face gives us a far richer experience.

It allows us to build trust and show true empathy. Something at Consumer Friend we are particularly enthusiastic about. It's easier to sense and react to someone’s emotional state when you can observe their expressions and body language, allowing for a more empathetic conversation and experience. This is something we are currently training on as part of the recently launched Make a Difference Mondays (MAD Mondays) and the new Consumer Friend Academy. Please get in touch if you would like to discuss this with us.

After this episode, we hope you will be inspired to improve the way you communicate every day. Whether you are communicating with consumers or simply trying to connect more deeply with your friends, Nick’s tips will help you cut through the noise and engage more meaningfully. Go on have a listen and take your communication skills to the next level,

#NickLooby #ModernZombies #CommunicationExpert #ConsumerFriendPodcast #EffectiveCommunication #PersonalGrowth

Listen to the full episode here…

Podcast Title: Understanding Human-Centric Communication

Episode Title: Modern Communication with Nick Looby

Release Date: 28/10/24

Host(s):

Adam Carter
Louise Baxter MBE (LouBax)

Guest(s):

Nick Looby – Modern communication specialist, keynote speaker, TEDx presenter, and author of Modern Zombies.

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Adam and Louise are joined by Nick Looby, an expert in human-centric communication. With over a decade of experience, Nick specialises in helping individuals and organisations navigate the rapidly changing communication landscape, balancing technology with meaningful human interactions.

The conversation touches on how technology has enhanced our lives but often at the cost of genuine human connection. Nick shares insights on the impact of over-reliance on technology, social media, and digital communication tools, and how it’s crucial to balance efficiency with empathy. The trio discusses practical ways to engage in more human-centered communication, the importance of face-to-face interaction, and how we can reclaim our natural communication skills in both personal and professional settings.

Key Takeaways:

The Overreliance on Technology: While technology makes communication more convenient, it often strips away the empathy and rapport we naturally build through face-to-face interactions.
Human-Centric Communication: It’s essential to bring back the human element in conversations—whether at work, at home, or socially—to improve relationships and communication effectiveness.
The Role of Empathy: Technology should enhance human interactions, not replace them. Empathy is crucial in building strong, meaningful relationships.
Face-to-Face Interactions: Genuine conversations in person or over the phone still hold immense value compared to scripted or digital communication like emails or texts.
Modern Zombies: Nick's book Modern Zombies challenges readers to rethink how technology is changing communication and what it means for human relationships.

Notable Quotes:

Nick Looby: “We are brilliant at communicating with one another face-to-face, reading each other’s body language, and building empathy. But somewhere along the way, we fell in love with technology and sidelined that human connection.”
Adam Carter: “It’s something that infuriates me—being in a restaurant or cafe and seeing everyone at the table on their phones, not talking to each other.”
LouBax: “When we speak face-to-face, we are engaging in real, unscripted conversations that inspire and bond us, something technology just can’t replicate.”

Resources & Links:

Nick Looby’s Website – Nick’s platform for communication training and speaking engagements.
Modern Zombies Book – Nick’s book exploring the effects of technology on human communication.
Consumer Friend Website – Visit for more information and resources on consumer rights.

Timestamps:

[00:00] – Introduction: Adam and Louise introduce the topic and guest.
[03:00] – Nick Looby on the importance of human-centric communication and how technology has shifted the way we interact.
[08:30] – How over-reliance on technology has led to a decrease in face-to-face communication and human connection.
[12:00] – The difference between being heard and truly getting through to someone in communication.
[18:00] – Discussion on empathy and how technology can complement, not replace, genuine human interaction.
[25:00] – The importance of unscripted conversations in fostering creativity, innovation, and strong bonds in both work and personal settings.
[32:00] – Nick shares a personal story from his TEDx talk and the concept behind his book Modern Zombies.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to strike a balance between technology and meaningful, human-centered communication in both their personal and professional lives. Nick Looby provides invaluable insights into how we can reclaim the art of conversation and why it matters in today's digital world.

Adam Carter