This technique can help you win friends, supporters, and sales. I simply try to be a good listener. I notice that people who do that are usually welcome wherever they go. Don't jump to conclusions. Many people tune out a speaker when they think they have the gist of his conversation or know what he's going to say next.
Assumptions can be dangerous.
Maybe the speaker is not following the same train of thought that you are, or is not planning to make the point you think he is. If you don't listen, you may miss the real point the speaker is trying to get across. Concentrate on what is not being said as well as what is being said. Remember, a lot of clues to meaning come from the speaker's tone of voice, facial expressions, and gestures. People don't always say what they mean, but their body language is usually an accurate indication of their attitude and emotional state.