What are signs of bad listening?

Looking away and crossing your arms are indicative of bad listening. When a listener looks away, it conveys disinterest or a lack of engagement with the speaker. This nonverbal cue can signal that the listener is not focused on the conversation, making it difficult for them to fully grasp the message being communicated. Additionally, crossing one's arms can create a defensive posture, suggesting a closed-off attitude that further demonstrates disengagement from the discussion.

In contrast, maintaining eye contact and nodding are signs of active listening, as they show attentiveness and encouragement for the speaker. Taking notes and asking questions are also indicators of good listening, since they reflect an effort to understand and retain information. Smiling and leaning in typically suggest enthusiasm and interest in the conversation. Thus, the behavior associated with looking away and crossing arms clearly represents poor listening and can hinder effective communication.