Buzz
While they may appear similar, responding and reacting in a conversation are fundamentally different. To improve your listening abilities, focusing on responding thoughtfully is the more effective approach.
Reacting is a common habit when hearing something that shifts your mental state. However, if the speaker hasn’t finished, you might interrupt or say something you later regret. Kathy Rapp from Inc. emphasizes the importance of responding instead:
Always respond, never react.
This is a mantra I hold dear, particularly when anticipating bad news or something potentially upsetting. While it’s natural to want to speak your mind immediately, taking a moment to process what you’ve heard is usually the wiser choice.
Even when something deeply upsets or excites you, speaking impulsively can make it seem like you weren’t truly listening. Instead, it may appear as though you were waiting for an opportunity to interject. Listen fully, allow the speaker to finish, ask clarifying questions, and then calmly share your thoughts. People appreciate feeling heard, and this approach will only work in your favor.
Image captured by Quinn Dombrowski.
