You’re Not Listening: The Communication Mistakes We All Make with Alex Perry

Most communication problems aren't really about what happened. They're about what happens next. In this episode of Truth Be Told, Dave Thompson sits down with communication expert Alex Perry to explore why even well-intentioned people misunderstand each other — and what we can do differently. From difficult conversations and feedback to active listening, empathy, body language and leadership presence, Alex challenges some of the assumptions we've been taught about what “good communication” actually looks like. They explore why curiosity may be more valuable than certainty, why listening doesn't always mean fixing, how leaders can show empathy without lowering expectations, and why our desire to quickly reach an answer can prevent us from actually understanding the person in front of us. The conversation also tackles communication myths — including the often-cited 93/7 rule — and examines how the same principles apply across leadership, relationships, sales and investigative interviews. Because sometimes the most important question isn't, “What should I say next?” It's: “What am I missing?” Want to improve how you handle difficult conversations, workplace conflict, and high-stakes communication? Wicklander-Zulawski & Associates (WZ) provides evidence-based training for leaders, HR professionals, investigators, and organizations looking to strengthen communication, active listening, rapport, and decision-making. Explore WZ’s training and resources to build practical skills for navigating the conversations that matter most.