Listening: The Underrated Communication Skill

In a profession grounded in analysis and persuasion, it is commonplace for attorneys to associate strong communication skills with speaking and writing well.  Often, however, the most important and impactful communication skill isn’t about what is said or written; rather, it is about what is heard.  Listening is a valuable and essential skill that, with focused practice, can be cultivated and perfected.

Whether it is understanding a client’s concerns, reading between the lines in a negotiation, or picking up on what isn’t said in a deposition, careful listening can be the key to strategy, clarity, and trust. It helps uncover the real issues, can avoid miscommunications, and fosters stronger relationships. Good listening isn’t passive. Being an active listener takes patience, concentration, and the willingness to want to truly understand someone else’s perspective.

Being a good listener helps build rapport, defuse tension, and reveal solutions that might otherwise be missed. So, rather than continuously thinking while someone is speaking, try focusing and really listening first.  You just might be surprised by what you hear, and learn.