Mastering the Art of Listening: Building Stronger Connections with Dr. Jeannelle Perkins

At the heart of Charleston Literary Festival is a commitment to embracing the conversation. We present in-depth conversations between world-class authors and hard-hitting interlocutors and encourage our audiences to actively engage. Such dialogue empowers unique perspectives and encourages active listening – one of the most crucial, yet often overlooked, communication skills.

This listening workshop, run by Dr. Jeanelle Perkins, is formulated to enhance listening abilities, offering practical tools to improve how we listen to and receive information. Through interactive exercises and reflective discussions, attendees will explore what it means to be an active listener, learning to hear beyond words and connect more deeply with others. 

The workshop emphasizes the difference between simply hearing and actively listening, teaching participants to be present and engaged in conversations. By practicing empathy and mindfulness, participants learn to listen without judgment, improve understanding, and create stronger emotional connections.

A key element of the session is identifying and overcoming the common barriers to effective listening, such as distractions, preconceived judgments, and emotional triggers. These barriers often prevent meaningful dialogue and lead to misunderstandings. The workshop will provide strategies to address these challenges, allowing participants to stay focused and present.

Dr. Jeannelle Perkins is a Psychotherapist and Licensed Family Therapist with more than 20 years of experience in relationship and life coaching. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Communications, a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision. Dr. Jeannelle is specifically trained to transform relationships by exploring communication skills, understanding intimacy and sexuality, and improving conflict resolution. She specializes in the intersection of race and mental health, particularly related to the Black experience, the history of American slavery and its influence on the lives and relationships of individuals, families and couples in the Black community