5 Tips to Overcome Passive Listening

Passive listening is one of the most common communication struggles people face. It can be easy to subconsciously tune people out, even if you don’t mean to. 

We’ll help you overcome this habit and explain everything you need to know, from tips to break the habit, to common passive listening examples, downsides, and misconceptions. 

What Is Passive Listening?

Passive listening is when you listen to someone speaking and don’t react. You might’ve heard the phrase, “It went in one ear and out the other.” It means the person listening didn’t actually understand what was said; they listened, but didn’t remember the meaning behind the words. Passive listening is a little like that. 

On one hand, passive listeners never interrupt. But that benefit doesn’t outweigh all the downsides of this type of listening, which we’ll explain in detail in the section below. The main downside is that the listener doesn’t pay attention to what’s said, so the communication only goes one way. 

Active vs. passive listening

In comparison to passive listening, active listening is the total opposite. Instead of just hearing the information but not paying attention, active listeners hear the information and remember what was said. They digest the information, reflect on it, and engage in the conversation. 

How to Use AI to Overcome Passive Listening

This type of listening isn’t a habit that you want to continue. Luckily, you can take advantage of AI tools — like Yoodli — to overcome passive listening. 

Yoodli, an AI-powered speech coach, can analyze your speaking habits and speech to give data-backed, practical feedback you can use to improve your listening skills. You Plus, Yoodli does so much more than provide the tools to overcome passive listening. You can also work on your conversation abilities, too.

Because it’s such a realistic conversation simulator, it can be personalized by the user. For example, you’ll pick an AI conversation partner, which could be virtually anyone, from a coworker to a stranger or your boss. Then, choose a personality for your AI conversation partner — reserved, friendly, professional — you name it.

While you’re talking, your AI partner will listen to what you say. Based on that, it gives an appropriate reply. Here’s where you can practice overcoming your habit. Using the below methods in the next section, practice being a more engaged listener. For example, you could practice asking open-ended questions or paraphrasing what your partner told you.

You’ll get an individualized report of all your speaking metrics afterward, from how loud you speak to your word choice and body language, like eye contact. 

If you have a friend who’s willing to practice with you, you can get valuable insights about how long you’re talking vs. how long you’re listening to the other person. Yoodli is one of the best communication technology tools out there for working on your speaking skills.

5 Tips for Overcoming Passive Listening

If one of your goals is to overcome passive listening, that’s great — it’ll benefit your communication skills and elevate your ability to have a successful conversation. It can even improve your executive presence.

Here are the top five tips to overcome your passive listening habit. 

1. Before the conversation, clear your mind.

You won’t always have the luxury of preparing before the conversation. Sometimes, a coworker will walk up to your desk and spark a conversation. A stranger might stop you in the street to ask for directions. In these situations, you can’t really prepare. But if you know you have a one-on-one meeting with your manager soon, for example, you can prepare before you speak. 

To prep before the conversation, start by taking a deep breath and clearing your mind. Understand that for the duration of the conversation, you’ll need to tune into the speaker and focus. It can be distracting if you’re trying to juggle the million other things you’re thinking about in addition to an ongoing conversation.

Even if you think the conversation could be boring or tedious, be ready to be open and engaging during the chat.

2. Be ready to give the speaker your full attention.

Most importantly, to avoid passive listening, you need to be ready to give whoever is speaking your full, undivided attention. Letting your mind wander and zoning out cause you to completely lose focus.

To help yourself pay attention, make it a point to look at the speaker and make eye contact. Don’t do anything else besides listening. Multitasking while a conversation is actively happening can cause you to go into passive listening mode.

3. Summarize what was said in your head.

Another helpful tip for overcoming passive listening is to summarize what the speaker said in your head. As they’re speaking (or shortly after), think about what they said and paraphrase it in your own words. This helps you remember the context of the conversation and helps you pay attention. 

Consider the key points they made and formulate questions if something is unclear.

4. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. 

Although some people are weary of asking questions during a conversation, it’s completely normal and even encouraged. Asking questions helps you get more information about the topic and clears up any potential misunderstandings. It also shows the speaker that you’re an engaged listener. 

Just wait until the speaker is finished with their thought before you start asking questions. Interrupting them isn’t just rude, but it can cause them to forget what they were saying.

5. Make sure you’re responsive.

One thing passive listeners are guilty of is the “100-yard stare” — looking at the speaker with a blank face. 

Don’t just listen passively. Instead, make sounds or affirmations that show you’re listening. For example, saying things like “Uh-huh” or “yes, I see” can demonstrate that you acknowledge what they said and understand. 

Internal and External Passive Listening Examples

Not surprisingly, there are many signs that someone’s a passive listener. Some are more obvious than others. 

Passive listening examples can usually be grouped into one of two categories: internal and external examples. 

Internal passive listening examples

Knowing the most common signs of passive listening can help you identify when and how you’re doing it. 

For example, some of the most common internal passive listening examples include: 

• Catching yourself daydreaming
• “Hearing” the words the speaker is saying but not understanding
• Having no clue what the speaker just said
• Experiencing wandering thoughts

External passive listening examples

Signs of passive listening can be more obvious from the speaker’s perspective. 

For example, some of the most common external passive listening examples a speaker might notice include: 

• Fidgeting (such as playing with items near you, tapping your fingers, picking at your skin, etc.)
• Not responding or acknowledging what was said
• Giving the speaker minimal responses (such as “oh,” “wow,” or “cool”)
• Looking distracted or like your eyes are glazed over
• Not making eye contact with the speaker

Downsides to Passive Listening

Passive listening isn’t a great habit to get into because it hurts you in the long run. Passive listeners have trouble keeping up in meetings, conversations, and other situations where they need to “pay attention.” 

Here are some of the most common downsides to passive listening that you should be aware of. 

A lack of effective communication 

One of the most significant drawbacks to passive listening is the fact that it limits your communication skills. You won’t be an effective communicator with this type of listening. Here’s why.

When you’re only half listening, you end up missing key information during the conversation. You won’t have all the details and necessary context. Not only that, but you might not pick up on the tone or emotions behind what’s being said. 

This leads to misinterpretations, misunderstandings, frustration, and confusion. 

Damaged relationships

As a consequence, passive listening can damage existing relationships and seriously hinder new ones. That’s because not giving the speaker your full attention is noticeable and causes the speaker to lose respect and trust for you. 

Not only can being a passive listener affect your personal relationships, but it can also influence your professional relationships, too. You won’t be able to make strong connections with others. Once you’ve lost that connection with someone, it can be difficult to gain back. 

Plus, if you have trouble communicating effectively, the resulting frustrations and miscommunications can result in negative interactions and ultimately, resentment toward you as a person and coworker. 

Other personal and professional drawbacks

There are also some other personal and professional drawbacks to be aware of. 

Your decision-making abilities could be affected if you have a habit of passive listening. Since you don’t get all the necessary information, you’ll likely make decisions based on inaccurate information. 

It’s the same deal with problem-solving. Collaboration and ideation efforts — two aspects that are directly influenced by this type of listening — can be hindered. It’s more difficult to solve problems, especially in a group, when you don’t give speakers your full attention. 

Similarly, you might not be able to be as productive as you could if you’re not a strong listener. Constantly misunderstanding speakers can lead to wasted resources and time, which affects your efficiency and productivity in settings like work, school, and at home. 

Because of this, you might miss out on important opportunities in those settings, too. 

Misconceptions of Passive Listening

Highlight the common misconceptions about passive listening (e.g., it’s just being quiet, it’s easier than active listening).  To fully understand the importance of overcoming this habit, you also need to be aware of the misconceptions around it. 

For one, some people think it means simply being quiet. However, this isn’t true. The difference between just being quiet while someone’s talking versus passive listening is that with the latter, you aren’t really hearing or digesting the message. If you’re just listening quietly, you’ll still understand what’s being said, including the context and implications. 

Some people also think it’s “easier” than truly listening. In the sense that you won’t understand the conversation, it’s “easier.” But realistically, it’s not easier than giving the speaker your full attention. 

Because of all the drawbacks to passive listening, getting into this habit actually makes your life more difficult. 

Others have the assumption that it’s a harmless habit, but again, the reality of the situation is that it makes both your personal and professional life more complicated. 

One of the biggest misconceptions about passive listening is that it’s a habit only introverts struggle with. However, this type of listening affects all personality types, not just introverts. Extroverts and ambiverts experience this kind of “tuning out,” too.  

The Bottom Line 

Remember that overcoming passive listening isn’t something that happens overnight. It’s a lifelong journey that you’ll always be working on, so don’t feel discouraged. Knowing how to avoid it is a high income skill.

Using a tool like Yoodli and practicing breaking this habit are some of the best things you can do for yourself if you’re a passive listener. 

Sources

• Gift of Life Institute: “The Importance of Active Listening.”
• Indeed: “Passive vs. Active Listening: What’s the Difference?”
• TopResume: “Passive Listening: Meaning, Examples, and Tips.”
• LinkedIn: “How to Deal with Passive Listeners at Work?”