Since we often define and use words differently among ourselves, this is not a trivial exercise. Repeat the process until you both agree what was communicated. This technique is effective in virtually all kinds of personal communications, including meetings, negotiations and personal disputes. Talk radio is an excellent example of people talking past each other without listening. In this forum, effective communication is discouraged, because it lowers audience ratings.
Conflict produces excitement and energy, and that is what draws people to listen to such programs.
Unfortunately, the same process occurs widely in even the most respected legal systems. As you can imagine, Active Listening can slow down communications to a crawl if taken to an extreme. It is most effective in intense or emotional discussions where misunderstandings will have the most impact. It may be done less rigorously at other times, but it helps to always keep in mind the principles of Active Listening . I hope this brief suggestion will increase your skill as a communicator, leading to less conflict with those you deal with.