So often I find myself talking without thinking first. I can be pretty awkward when it comes to casual exchanges sometimes. Especially when people are giving a passing question and I answer before listening.
They say: “Hey, what’s up, Elaina?”
I say: “Fine”
“How are you?”
“Not much!”
So often when meeting new people I am so focused on showing them how ‘wise’ I am that I haven’t even heard their name or anything they have told me. Then I sound crazy when I do open my mouth (with what I think is a great question).
“So, tell me...where are you from?” I might say.
They answer, “Well, uh, like I just finished saying...I just recently moved here from Texas”.
Oh. Woops. I’m retarded.
So I walk away, hoping to put that behind me. Until I see that person again a few weeks later and realize I never even listened to their name. So I’m forced to use a “Hey, Champ!” “Hiya Chief” or possibly, “Howdy, Tex”.
Yeah, cuz no one would ever see through that.
So, in an attempt to help us all pay better attention to what people are really saying rather than just using the down time to formulate a pseudo-clever response, here are some helpful tips I have found on becoming a better listener:

Positive gestures: When you’re listening to another person always establish eye contact. Few people feel comfortable relaying information to a person who’s looking in every direction. As the person speaks, use positive gestures such as nodding your head to acknowledge what the person is saying and to prompt them to continue to talk. When a person speaks to you they are unconsciously watching you for signs of boredom or rejection. Always use good eye contact, nods, and occasional smiles to show your interest.

Repetition: One way to show you’re listening and to make sure you understand what is being said is to repeat the speaker’s thoughts in your own words. This lets the other person know you’re actively processing the information and allows you to get a better understanding of what the speaker is trying to say. Ask the speaker if your interpretation is correct to make sure you’re both communicating along the same lines.

Avoid Interrupting: This is one of the most annoying characteristics of poor listeners. If you interrupt the speaker to give your response, you cut off his train of thought and you may miss important information. Plus, you’ll end up intimidating and even irritating your speaker. If you have a habit of interrupting, make it a point to hold your thoughts until your opinion is asked.

Hope this helps us all! If you have any more helpful hints let me know.
Then again, if you tell me I probably won't be listening anyway.