A recent study published in The International Journal of Listening emphasizes the importance of strong listening skills for building trust, improving relationships, and excelling in the workplace. However, in today’s fast-paced world filled with distractions, it can be challenging to truly pay attention to others amidst constant notifications, busy schedules, and multitasking.
Research indicates that the average person only retains about 25% of what they hear in a conversation, leading to missed details, failed connections, and potential frustrations with others without even realizing it.
To identify bad listening habits, communication experts have outlined 17 common signs that indicate you may not be as attentive as you should be. From subtle cues to more obvious red flags, here are the telltale signs of being a poor listener and how to address them.
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1 | You interrupt people.
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Interrupting others is obviously not ideal, but sometimes well-intentioned actions, such as finishing someone’s sentence, can also be perceived as rude and intrusive. It’s important to let others finish speaking and show them the respect they deserve.
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2 | You turn the conversation back to yourself.
7 | They tighten their lips.Prostock-studio / Shutterstock
Turning the conversation back to yourself can come across as self-absorbed and can hinder relationships both personally and professionally. It’s crucial to show genuine interest in others‘ experiences and not always redirect the focus to yourself.
4 | You nod excessively.
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Nodding excessively may give the impression of listening, but if done insincerely, it can convey disinterest. Practicing active listening can help ensure your nods are genuine and reflect true engagement in the conversation.
5 | You get defensive.
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Reacting defensively may indicate a lack of listening and understanding of the other person’s viewpoint. It’s important to pause, ask questions, and seek to understand before responding defensively. Mutual respect in communication is key.
6 | You hurry the speaker along.
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While it’s understandable to be busy, rushing the speaker can signal disinterest and impatience. It’s essential to give the speaker the time and attention they deserve, without showing signs of wanting the conversation to end quickly.
By displaying unwelcoming body language, avoiding eye contact, not remembering what people have told you, eagerly waiting for your turn to speak, remaining silent during conversations, or only focusing on your response, you are showing that you are not fully engaged or interested in the conversation. It is important to pay attention to non-verbal cues, make eye contact, actively listen, and engage in meaningful dialogue to improve your communication skills. Wenn dein Gehirn damit beschäftigt ist, eine Antwort zu überlegen, hörst du nicht zu – Punkt.“