During software design reviews I was initially frustrated and now joke it takes at least 3 sessions to get to agreement. Stakeholders express thoughts, ask questions, and debate on ideas until problem is understood and solution agreed. So when they can’t speak their mind in one meeting they follow up in another one.
It’s not great when person doesn’t get a chance to speak. At home wife often starts talking to me while I use the smartphone. If I don’t focus attention to her she becomes irritated, I get yelled at, and she postpones thoughts till later. In meantime I get ignored if I bring new topic.
When a person finishes conveying themself then they become receptive to external thoughts. And discussion can move on.
So listen. Let them finish. And do not interrupt.
Doing it attentively, meaning you concentrate on what’s being said and respond appropriately - shows genuine interest and makes the person feel heard. It satisfies their attention cravings. Displays consideration of their point. And makes them more welcoming to your view. [1] has an example where a person is titled as a great conversationalist just by listening.
Behavior ties well if you’re not pushing your opinions and actions on people. (“Do this..”, “The right way is..”) And instead ask for suggestions, thoughts, consultation. (“Have you considered..”, “How do you do X..”) It shows interest, prompts them to express their position, and leads to aforementioned benefits.
But sometimes people are too eager to jump in conversation, talk over each other, interrupt with their anecdotes. If you noticed then replies might be “Ok”, “Interesting”, “Good to know”, followed by topic switch or resume to what the person was saying before. Apart from cutting off being unprofessional, it also leads to other side not listening while they are eager to voice their thoughts.
People more often want to tell their story first rather than listen to others.
So I’ve taken the stance to not brag, or show my opinions in long form unless warranted. And when I want to start conversation, but the other side is not picking up - then I shut up and let them be - without feeling ignored.
For action taking discussions I now prefer to let time overflow rather than rushing through to decision. The negatives are many for the questionable value of finishing on time. People can feel unheard, unvalued, cut off, question if they should join next time, important factors might not be shared, overly vocal people own the podium, chairperson feels like a dictator, etc.. Consequences of inappropriate time scheduling. It’s what we get for allowing little time to read and little time to discuss.
And at home I’m trying to remember to leave the phone whenever wife or kids come to me and give them the attention they look for.
[1] - How to Win Friends and Influence People