We all know listening is important. But let’s be real—most of us think we’re great listeners when, in reality, we’re making a few key mistakes that shut conversations down fast.

In this episode of the Future of Faith Podcast, hosts Keedren Boston and Josh Packard break down five major listening mistakes that can wreck trust, stall faith formation, and make people feel unheard. (Plus, they throw in a bonus tip about when laughter can backfire!) Through personal stories and research-backed insights, they reveal how true listening goes beyond just being quiet—it’s about creating a space where real dialogue can happen.

The 5 Things Not to Do When Listening:

❌ Don’t judge. Judgment kills openness. If people sense criticism, they’ll shut down.

🙅‍♂️ Don’t give unsolicited advice. Just because you can fix it doesn’t mean you should. Ask before offering input.

⏸️ Don’t interrupt. Cutting someone off signals that their words don’t matter as much as yours.

📵 Don’t look at your phone. Distraction = disrespect. Be present.

🧐 Don’t make assumptions. Jumping to conclusions keeps you from truly understanding.

🎭 Bonus Tip: Be careful with laughter! Even well-intended chuckles can send the wrong message in serious conversations.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

🔵 Listening without judgment fosters deeper connections

🟠 Unsolicited advice can alienate instead of helping

🟢 Interruptions make speakers feel unheard and unvalued

🔴 Phone distractions break trust and engagement

🟣 Avoiding assumptions leads to better understanding

🟡 Why laughter can be tricky in serious discussions

Want to Be a Better Listener?

If you want to improve your listening skills and build stronger faith communities, this episode is a must.

🔗 Want the full study? Get the whitepaper, data graphics, and more:

👉 Sacred Listening Study

💬 Join the Conversation:

📍 Follow us on Facebook & LinkedIn: Future of Faith

📩 Sign up for our newsletter: futureoffaith.org/newsletter

Have a listening fail (or win) to share? Email us at hello@futureoffaith.org. We’d love to hear your story! 🎙️🔥

Music by Treleon Music – used with permission