Take the time to listen...

I think it is well know because we all do it and that is to start to zone out our listening because we have already thought of our retort and are just awaiting the pause to inject it into. We have all done it. Someone is telling you about some good idea they have (of course it is only their opinion that it is a good idea) and along the way they say something, well, a little stupid in your opinion. You immediately think of something you want to say..now some stop here and just blurt it out, but for us civilized people we continue to pretend we are continuing to listen..so now you have to concentrate so hard on remembering what that awesome comment is you have zoned out.

Now, you are simply waiting for them to shut up. All along comparing each snippet of what you are hearing to validate your comment is still worth saying. When you do this your retention slips quite a bit in the ability to actual comprehend within context the conversation.

My only point to this is to remeber this: unless the person has asked an explicit question int he first few sentences, most likely they are not wanting any great advice, but rather for your to simply listen. That listening makes them feel that no matter what that little problem is that things will be okay because they have good friends like you. If a question pops up at the end, you have listened all the way through and can respond appropriately with sound advice. Either way you are covered.

So take the time, understand what serves them better, your funny snippet to something they said 10 minutes ago, or just smiling, and stating, I understand.