It is widely believed that while the average person speaks at a rate of 150-160 words per minute, they can listen at a much faster pace of about 1,000 words per minute. This disparity raises questions about what occupies our minds during the moments we are not directly engaged in conversation. Often, our thoughts race ahead, contemplating our responses or the next topic of discussion, leading to a gap in engagement.

Additionally, our attention can be fragmented by various distractions and priorities. As we listen, our subconscious mind sifts through a vast array of past experiences, judgments, and perspectives, shaping our understanding of the conversation. This mental activity influences how we interpret and respond to what is being said, highlighting the complexity of human communication as discussed in Susan C. Young's book, "The Art of Communication."