How I Practice Being a Better Listener

Historically I have appeared, and thought myself to be a great listener. I nod, I repeat the last thing I heard you say, I make all the right sounds based on your tone, body language and other context clues. But in reality, I am thinking about me. I am crafting a witty response, something clever or funny…I am connecting dots and waiting eagerly for the tiniest pause so I can blurt out my brilliant comment in hopes that I will sound smart, hilarious or somehow further ingratiate myself to you. I will use my quick-thinking and observation to anticipate what you are going to say and I show…