Most of us listen to respond, not to understand. While someone is speaking, we are already formulating our reply. This means we miss parts of what they are saying, and our responses are often reactive rather than thoughtful.
Practice the conversation pause. After someone finishes speaking, wait two seconds before you respond. Count silently: one, two. Then speak. This pause gives you time to actually hear what they said and think about your response.
This practice transforms conversations. People feel heard. Your responses become more thoughtful. Misunderstandings decrease. The quality of your interactions improves because you are actually present for them.
Try it in your next conversation today. After the other person finishes speaking, pause for two seconds. Notice how this changes the quality of your response and the feeling of the conversation.