Want people to listen? Ask them to be a listener. Want them to lead? Ask them to be a leader. Want them to work harder? Encourage them to be a top performer.

But for someone to feel heard, three things have to happen. First, they have to feel like the other person paid attention to what they said. Second, they have to feel like the other person understood what they said. And third, the other person has to demonstrate that they listened.

We need to adore difference so that we can all finally, in fact, be the same in the only sense that matters: as human beings. And what magnificence that sameness is.

So how about we walk across the road and listen? And soon ask to be listened to, too. And promise never to interrupt. Only to learn. And eventually to respect?

And then, who knows?

To love?

Amplify doesn’t mean exaggerate or dwell on it endlessly; it simply means make sure a signal can be heard. And if its message ends up being “all is well,” we must learn to be nonetheless glad we asked.

Finally, make a habit of practicing. Musicians, athletes, public speakers, and actors all rehearse before a performance to be as prepared as possible.