Whole body listening is a comprehensive concept that involves using multiple parts of the body and mind to fully focus on and understand what is being communicated. It goes beyond just hearing with the ears and includes the coordinated use of the eyes, body posture, hands, feet, brain, and heart to enhance attention and comprehension. Key components of whole body listening include:

• Eyes: Focus directly on the speaker to avoid distractions and show engagement.
• Ears: Be ready to hear and process the information being shared.
• Mouth: Stay quiet to avoid interrupting and to better absorb the message.
• Hands: Keep them still, such as in the lap or by the sides, to prevent distractions.
• Feet: Keep them flat on the floor and still to maintain a grounded and attentive posture.
• Body: Face the speaker to signal attentiveness and readiness to listen.
• Brain: Concentrate fully on processing and understanding the speaker’s message.
• Heart: Care about what is being said, showing empathy and emotional engagement.

This approach was developed by speech-language pathologist Susanne Poulette Truesdale in 1990 to make the abstract concept of listening more concrete and teachable, especially for children, but it is widely used by adults as well. The goal is to create a focused learning environment, improve communication, and build stronger relationships between speakers and listeners

. Whole body listening is often taught through activities, posters, and songs (such as Jack Hartmann’s "Whole Body Listening" song) that help learners remember the roles of each body part in listening effectively

. It is recognized as a tool rather than a strict rule, emphasizing flexibility and self-advocacy

. However, some critiques note that traditional whole body listening expectations may not be inclusive of neurodivergent individuals, suggesting a need for accommodations and revised approaches

. In summary, whole body listening is an intentional, multi-sensory approach to active listening that engages the entire body and mind to enhance understanding and communication.