The next time you get ready to have a conversation with someone, consider these facts:

  • 85% of what we have learned is through listening (not talking or reading).(Shorpe)
  • 75% of the time, we are distracted, preoccupied or forgetful. (Hunsaker)
  • After listening to someone talk, we can immediately recall about 50% of what was said. Even less is we didn’t like the subject or the person! (Robinson)
  • One hour later, we remember less than 20% of what we heard. (Shorpe)
  • Less than 2% of the population has had formal educational on how to listen. (Gregg)
  • We listen at 125-250 words per minute, but think at 1000-3000 words per minute. (HighGain, Inc.)

When listening, try to suspend your assumptions, refrain from making judgments, and silence your inner chatter long enough to listen, really listen, to what the other person is saying. As Deborah Tannen, author of many books on communication writes, “It’s a sign of respect. It makes people feel valued.”