Too many times to count, I’ve been on a video conference call where someone begins to speak while the microphone is muted.

When this happens, someone else inevitably says, “You’re on mute!”

This is something we don’t notice ourselves. We don’t recognize that we’re not being heard. We just talk until someone points out the audio issue.

But who lets us know?

This question extends beyond video calls.

Who lets us know when we’re not being heard? Who is the thoughtful person who sees that we’re trying to communicate, who recognizes that there’s a problem with the transmission, and who helps us to see that an adjustment is necessary in order for our message to be delivered?

It’s a generous, albeit delicate role. But it’s a role we all have the capacity to play.

Even more, we can keep our ears sensitive to the voice of trusted guides when they notice that we’re not being heard by those we seek to serve.