Is the biggest reason for miscommunication, the fact people simply don't listen to what we say?

Question

Letting the years of being told what to do and having to listen to criticism from others, letting them go on the defensive constantly?
If they don't outright block out what we say. They only let us get a few words out, and then start interrupting, so we can never get to the point.
And then think we said what they think they think we said. Instead of what we were trying to say?

Answer 1

Yes. Some people are too impatient to listen to the whole "story", and start making assumptions after hearing only a few words. After making the assumptions, they spend time thinking up answers while they're waiting for you to finish speaking, or they'll interrupt. It seems to take special training (e.g., communication courses) for many people to be able to listen non-judgementally to the whole "story" before thinking carefully of an answer and then giving it.

One group of people particularly at fault in this regard is family physicians. Apparently the average listening time for these doctors is 18 seconds. After that, they'll ignore anything else you have to say, and begin their diagnosis and prescription routine.

Answer 2

Just a guess based on years of marriage.... The party of the first part (that's you) is automatically guilty in that he/she has failed to communicate their thought to the other person (party of the second part). It is you that is at fault. Sometimes you have to render your listener incapable of letting their attention wander and nearly always you have to speak (sometimes shout) in words of one syllable (to remain within the party of the second parts vocabulary!).
Render them horizontal, sit on them, tell them how it is, and continue this process untill they can prove to you that they understand and accept your point of view as valid. Time consuming but necessary I am afraid. Paraphrasing my mothers sound advice - "All the world is mad save you and me, and even you are a little daft!"

Answer 3

Oh Lordie yes!

You are talking about my driver!!!

Then he goes to the secretary hours later and asks what I really said!

By which time I am about ready to kill him! And so the cycle continues....

Answer 4

A huge gigantic yes.

Answer 5

i know exactly what you mean
people like this should be avoided or ignored
Respect is earned in life
if they want respect of being heard they have to do the same

Answer 6

Yes, to all your points.

Answer 7

yep!