Americans expect listening to be visible and active. When others speak, show you’re engaged through eye contact, nodding, verbal acknowledgments, and responsive questions or comments. Passive, expressionless listening may be read as inattention or disinterest. Communication is reciprocal: when someone communicates with you, they expect response—questions answered, messages acknowledged, engagement demonstrated.
Turn-taking in conversation should feel balanced, with both parties contributing. Dominating conversation or remaining entirely silent both violate expectations. This active engagement is especially important in professional contexts: in meetings, demonstrate attention; respond to communications promptly; participate visibly in discussions. Americans value engaged communicators who show they’re present and involved.
Comments