COMMUNICATION
Listen for the meaning, before the reply.
A practical way to pause, reflect, and check whether you understood.
Notice the urge to answer
Think of a conversation where you started preparing your reply while the other person was still speaking. What did you miss? Begin by noticing that impulse without judging yourself.
Separate the words from your interpretation
“They said…” and “I took that to mean…” are different notes. Keep both visible. Tone and context can suggest a question, but they cannot tell you someone’s intentions with certainty.
Confirm what matters
Try: “What I’m hearing is ___. Have I understood that?” Let them correct you. Then ask what they need next: an answer, a decision, an action, or simply your attention.