We all like to talk
This is not always good. It is often good to stop talking. Don’t re-iterate what the person said. Don’t overdo it on the paraphrase. If you agree, nod your head. Say “it makes sense”. Say “Great”. Stop talking.
Getting the last word
There are people everywhere who talk too much. When you have a conversation with them, they will try and get the last word in. When there is nothing more to say, they will paraphrase what your said.
- I completely agree, blah, blah
- My thoughts exactly, blah blah
- Sure, I think what you are saying is blah blah
Stop the blah, blah, blah
Those are all wasted words. Listening means not talking. Listening means letting them own parts of the conversation and letting thoughts flow.
Stop Cutting people off when they are talking
I am personally working on bad habit (10+ years now). It stops the train of the other person’s thought, is disrespectful, and honestly pretty ineffective; It takes more time to get each side’s point across. Overly paraphrasing, and repeating back what someone just said is also a “lack of listening.”
We are agreeing violently
This happens to me at least once a week. I will stop the conversation / discussion / debate and say, “I think we are agreeing violently.” At which time, the other person usually pauses and thanks me for that reality check.
When the customer has bought, shut up
From sales training, they teach you to shut-up once the customer has decided to buy. More times than not, if the sales person keeps talking. . . they essentially will “un-sell” the product.
Caveat: Of course, paraphrase when needed
When you really do want to clarify instructions, or make sure you heard things right, ask. Definitely ask.
What you don’t want to do (and I see this all the time) is repeat back what the other person is saying so that you get the last word in, sound smart, own the conversation, or like to hear your own voice. If you agree, stop talking.