How should I show I am listening but not necessarily agreeing? ?

Question

In person or on phone.. if I say "Hmm" or "right" to something another is saying, I think I am sending the signal that I am "agreeing" to what they said. "Okay......" kind of sounds odd.

Is there another way to respond or participate while someone is talking.....without sending the signal that we are agreeing or have the same viewpoint?

A nod can work but it doesn't show on the phone.

Answer 1

Just go like YAHHH!

i agree..

Answer 2

I say "Okay", or "mhm", or "alright", and then when the person finishes talking, I state my opposing viewpoint.

Answer 3

Say things like "sure"  "i understand"  "makes sense"

That's tough, you have me thinking.  

Answer 4

I always say "right"  or "okay"

Answer 5

lol how about "i disagree"

Answer 6

"Right" and "hmm" are both small phrases we use in communication to show we are being attentive.  If your concern is that this is leading your partner into believing you're agreeing try "Go on..."  OR at the end over your conversation say, "you've made some good points but --" and state your case.

Answer 7

How about "I see..." which might also sound odd. In person, maybe avoid nodding if it might show agreement. On the phone, maybe alter the tone of your "hmmm" (don't make it too pervy!) so that it doesn't sound like agreement.

Answer 8

It depends on who you're talking to. I just say mmhmmm to everyone if I agree or not. If I don't agree and I think it would start a big uproar I don't want them to think I do or don't agree with them, and I think mmhmmm says that.

Answer 9

when they pause for your acknowledgment(when you would say 'ye.. ') simply say ' go on...' and when they ask you what you think say ' well i see why you think that but i think...'  

Answer 10

Simple: "I understand what you're saying, but I don't agree"

Answer 11

Hmm...hmmm, okay, wow, uh huh, really?

That happens to me all of the time at work, I get people spewing their opinions at me about things that sound racist or crude as if I'm going to agree...they never ask what I think, they don't care, they just want to soap box at somebody. Good luck with that ;-)

Answer 12

say that's great or ok then...

Answer 13

  "I see your point."

  "So, you are saying.....(repeat what they just said)."

  "You have given me food for thought."

Always look the speaker in the eyes. This lets them know you are focused on them and what they are saying.

If you are on the phone, try repeating what they have just said to you, and make the statement, "I need to think about that".

Answer 14

Here are some good audible "nods:"

"I understand."

"Understood."

"Got it."

"I hear you."

Answer 15

I see what you're saying, but....

Answer 16

Perhaps respond with "I don't know about that" or if you're sarcastic "If you say so" depends on the conversation/topic and how well you know the person.