A number of habits prevent us from truly listening to the other person.

Rehearsing:
Preparing what you are going to say when the speaker finishes.

Day Dreaming:
Letting your mind wander.

Judging:
Labeling the speaker (as stupid, a jerk, racist, etc.).

Filtering:
Picking up only on certain information and disregarding the rest.

Second Guessing:
Jumping in before the speaker has finished because you think you’ve figured out what he/she is going to say.

Mind Reading:
Trying to figure out what the other person is saying without asking for clarification; assuming you know what he/she means without finding out.

Adapted from materials developed by Community Mediation, Inc., New Haven, Connecticut.