Talk Less, Raise More

An Illustration of a surprised face looking at the words "Talk Less Raise More," to illustrate the concept of learning to listen to your donors.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

Fundraising rewards silence, not speeches.

And listening, not selling.

But “asking for a contribution makes most people nervous, which causes rambling,” says Lori L. Jacobwith of Ignited Fundraising. “And together, we have the perfect storm to make the most common fundraising mistake: talking too much.”

“If you want to get a YES — use less words.” 

Learn how with 10 tips in this guide.

Less presentation.

More conversation.

Listening is half of all communications with your donors.

So here’s a helpful mental model. There are various versions of this over the years: Covey’s Five Levels of Listening:

1. IGNORING

We completely ignore what has been said.

2. PRETEND LISTENING

We use the right body language, but we’re not listening.

3. SELECTIVE LISTENING

We listen to the parts that interest us and switch off for the parts that don’t.

4. ATTENTIVE LISTENING

We pay attention and really take on board what was said.

5. EMPATHETIC LISTENING

We concentrate and listen to understand the intent behind the message.

5 Levels of Listening

LevelDescription of what you might be doingYour Mindset
Ignoring the speakerNot really listening, preoccupied, waiting for your turn to speak. Already knowing how you’re going to respond.Preoccupied, with other things on your mind. Think you already know the answer.
Pretending to listenShowing signs of listening but you’re not really tuned in. Not able to play back everything the other person said.Multitasking or distracted.
Selective listeningTuning in to the bits that interest or impact you. Not appreciating the overall message or intention.Hearing what you want to hear, or only picking up on things that affect you.
Attentive listeningFocused on the speaker, taking in what they have to say, not interrupting, asking follow-up questions.Mindset of wanting to connect and understand.
Empathic listeningListening really carefully to understand the emotions and meaning behind the words. Seeking to understand, rather than to be understood.Mindset of putting your own needs temporarily to one side to truly understand the perspective of the other person.

We value your insights! What stood out to you in this article? Join or start a conversation below.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Do you feel unseen, unheard, and underfunded? To get funding, you need to be fundable & findable. It’s your brand — not fundraising alone — that attracts the money. So stop chasing donations and build your brand first, funding second.

    View all posts
Colored open hand illustration

Seeking Visionary Voices!

Do you have:

  • A unique insight or bold idea?
  • A story of success—or valuable lessons from failure?
  • Expert advice that could guide your peers?

Join other forward-thinkers in shaping the future of philanthropy. Contribute today and let your voice be heard.

Related Posts

Man planting trees at sunset with quote about legacy and future generations.

Everyone Wants the Fruit, But No One Wants to Plant the Tree

Planned giving remains one of the most powerful yet underutilized tools in nonprofit fundraising. This article explores why organizations overlook it, the cultural and systemic reasons behind short-term thinking, and what it takes to cultivate long-term donor relationships. Through practical insights, emotional truths, and a self-assessment checklist, it challenges nonprofits to plant the seeds of legacy today—because the fruit, and the future, depend on it. Elegant, honest, and quietly urgent, this is fundraising philosophy in action.

Read More »
Smiling financial advisor discussing philanthropic planning with a client in a bright, modern office setting.

Advisors, Philanthropy, and Donor Perceptions: Why Advisors Must Embrace the Shift

As donor expectations evolve, today’s philanthropists are seeking more from their financial advisors—beyond tax advice. They want strategic, values-aligned giving plans that include family, legacy, and impact. With over $84 trillion expected to transfer across generations by 2045, advisors who understand charitable tools like planned giving and donor-advised funds are well-positioned for growth. Learn how integrating philanthropy into your financial planning services isn’t just good ethics—it’s smart business.

Read More »
Woman planning her will on a tablet standing up

Rethinking Will Planners: How Estate Planning Tools Can (and Should) Support Philanthropy

Most will tools are built for transactions, not legacies. LegacyPlanner™ redefines estate planning by integrating it into the donor journey—educating, inspiring, and deepening engagement along the way. It’s not just about creating documents; it’s about creating impact. As philanthropy evolves, so must our tools. LegacyPlanner™ offers a glimpse into how estate planning can become a central part of donor-centric fundraising strategies.

Read More »
A diverse group of people standing together outdoors with arms around each other, facing the sunrise in a display of unity and support.

The Power of Community in Primal Fundraising: I’m Not Just Giving, I’m Sharing!

Giving feels noble. Sharing feels human. This blog explores the primal power of community in fundraising—not as a transaction, but as a mutual act of belonging. True generosity thrives when people feel they are part of something, not giving to something. Drawing from game theory, biology, and real-world experiments, it reveals why communal sharing inspires deeper, more sustainable gifts—and why the smartest fundraisers aren’t just building donors. They’re building tribes.

Read More »