Filmmaker Craig Cunningham suggests that good intentions often lead us to over-empathize when listening to another’s story. His suggestion: listen with curiosity and recognize that, even when deeply identifying with a story, another’s experience is wholly unique – to them – and there is much to be learned when we just listen.

Craig Cunningham is a writer and film director based out of Austin, Texas. He is a partner at Canowan, where he focuses on bringing stories and ideas to life.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx