This may come as a shock, but most of us are not good listeners. 

We all know one basic rule: don’t interrupt. That matters. 

But there’s another mistake that’s harder to notice, because from the outside, it looks like you’re doing everything right: 
Someone is talking, and you’re making eye contact, nodding along, and saying “mm-hmm.”

But internally, you’ve switched to autopilot, and your mind is drifting.  

Maybe you think you already know where they’re going.
Maybe you’re mentally rehearsing what you want to say next.
Maybe you’re thinking about dinner. 

Meanwhile, they’re still talking. 

When you’re listening on autopilot, you’re not really listening. 
You’re just waiting for your turn. 

In a Civic Assembly, that matters. 
Deliberation only works if new information is actually allowed to land.

So when someone is speaking, notice the moment your mind drifts and gently bring it back. 
Shift out of autopilot. 
Stay with them a little longer than feels natural.  
You might hear something you didn’t expect, and that’s often where better thinking begins.