Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions about Maegan Stephens, Adaptive Listening, the SAID model, and speaking availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Maegan Stephens's background?
Maegan grew up as a competitive public speaker and joined the speech team at Ball State University, where she earned both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Communication Studies. She began teaching at 21 and went on to earn a Ph.D. in Communication from the Moody College of Communication at UT Austin. Before Duarte, she was Director of Executive Communication at Quantified Communications, analyzing data from 100,000+ presentations to coach Fortune 100 executives. She has been an MBA Communication Coach at the McCombs School of Business since 2012.
What is Adaptive Listening?
Adaptive Listening is a research-backed communication framework co-created by Maegan Stephens, Ph.D., and Nicole Lowenbraun. It identifies four listening styles (Support, Advance, Immerse, Discern) and teaches professionals to intentionally choose how they listen based on what the moment requires, rather than defaulting to a single approach. Learn more about the framework.
What is the SAID model?
SAID stands for the four listening styles at the core of Adaptive Listening: Support (connecting emotionally), Advance (driving toward action), Immerse (understanding deeply), and Discern (evaluating critically). Each style serves a different purpose in conversation, and the skill is knowing when to shift between them. Explore the SAID model.
How is Adaptive Listening different from active listening?
Active listening focuses on being present and attentive. Adaptive Listening goes further by giving you four distinct listening modes to choose from. It turns listening from a passive skill into an intentional strategy: you diagnose what the speaker needs and adapt your approach accordingly. Maegan and Nicole discussed this distinction in depth on Oscar Trimboli's Deep Listening podcast (Episode 122).
Can I take the Adaptive Listening assessment?
Yes. The SAID Assessment is a free online tool that helps you identify your default listening style. It takes a few minutes and provides personalized insights about how you tend to listen at work. You can take it at s.pointerpro.com/adaptivelistening. Learn more on the framework page.
Has Maegan spoken at TED?
Yes. Maegan and co-author Nicole Lowenbraun presented at TED 2025 in Dubai, delivering a talk titled "How to Be a Great Listener." You can watch the talk on TED.com.
What is Maegan Stephens's role at Duarte?
Maegan serves as VP of Communication and Marketing at Duarte, Inc., the largest communication and presentation design firm in Silicon Valley. She joined Duarte in 2016 as a Content Developer and Executive Speaker Coach and advanced through five roles over a decade to her current VP position. She leads a team of strategists, writers, and speaker coaches serving Fortune 500 clients.
Is Maegan available for speaking engagements?
Yes. Maegan speaks on communication, culture, leadership, and teamwork. She is represented by the Gray+Miller Agency. Topics include Adaptive Listening, executive presence, data storytelling, and building a culture of effective communication. She has appeared on podcasts including FranklinCovey On Leadership, Oscar Trimboli's Deep Listening, Speak with People, and Talk with Tara.
Where can I buy the Adaptive Listening book?
Adaptive Listening: How to Cultivate Trust and Traction at Work is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target, and through major booksellers. It was published by Yellow Pear Press in 2024 and co-authored by Maegan Stephens and Nicole Lowenbraun. An audiobook narrated by the authors is available through Tantor Media. A Traditional Chinese edition was published by Yuan-Liou Publishing in 2025. ISBN: 978-1-68481-259-2. View the book.