Communication skills

Mistakes We Make When Listening to Others

1- Interrupting
You should first give yourself the chance to understand what is being said and, second, allow the speaker to express themselves freely. Let them talk and listen carefully. Avoid interrupting unless you need clarification. If you don’t understand something, you can ask when the speaker pauses briefly.

2- Focusing Only on Words
Studies suggest that in verbal communication, we form impressions based on facial expressions (20%), tone of voice (50%), and spoken words (30%). So, when listening to someone, pay attention not only to their words but also to their tone, emotions, body language, facial expressions, and eye contact.

3- Responding Too Quickly
Do not rush to judge what the other person is saying or immediately provide solutions. There may be details you are unaware of that the speaker has yet to mention. It is better to wait until they finish talking, giving yourself time to think about appropriate responses or solutions.

4- Showing Disinterest or Not Engaging
Give your full attention to the speaker without checking your phone every few seconds or thinking about unrelated things like your next meal. Engage with them and show your interest by using phrases like: "Oh!", "Yes", "Go on", "Really?", "Then what happened?", "How did that happen?" etc.

5- Listening Just to Respond
Some people listen with the sole intention of preparing a response rather than understanding the message. This leads to selective hearing, where they focus only on certain parts of the conversation while ignoring other important details.

6- Not Using Body Language
Body language is more impactful than words. Maintain eye contact to show that you are attentive and not distracted. Nod occasionally or tilt your head slightly to indicate that you are fully engaged in the conversation.