When we are 'listening' to someone talk, often times we aren't really listening to what they say. See if you are guilty of any of the following:
When a person is talking, I _________________
- formulate in my head what I'm going to say next.
- wait for a pause so I can interject my own story.
- get distracted by my surroundings easily.
- interrupt them to tell my own story/thought that theirs had reminded me of.
- nod frequently and agree with them when they haven't even finished their thought.
- interrupt them to finish their sentence, portraying to them I've already heard what they have to say and it's not important to me.
- wait impatiently for an opportunity to arise where I can change the subject or leave.
- fiddle with my keys or become anxious.
- make plans in my head for things I want to do after this discussion is over.
- go on my cell phone and start multi-tasking.
Number 10 is probably the worst offense you can do during a conversation and it should probably be #1 because everyone does it.
The next time you find yourself in a conversation with someone, try to keep the focus on them and genuinely listen to what they have to say.
