One last implicit listening skill is mastering the art of the pause—when you think your stakeholders are done talking, just wait. Don’t immediately jump in with your response. Instead, pause for several seconds (maybe two or three) and allow for silence, however uncomfortable that might seem. This can actually be a little awkward, especially on a conference call or video chat where there are frequently delays and it might be difficult to tell if you’ve dropped off. (My own clients commonly ask if I’m still on the line, unsure if I was disconnected.) But whether you’re on a call or
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