---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: If you already know what your response…"
description: "\"“If you already know what your response will be before you've heard what the other person has said, you are not listening.”\" — Elizabeth Wurtzel"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6c9/elizabeth-wurtzel-1275_communication_if-you-already-know-what-your-response-w_1303801.png"
---

#  If you already know what your response will be before…

![“If you already know what your response will be before you've heard what the other person has said, you are not listening.” quote by Elizabeth Wurtzel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6c9/elizabeth-wurtzel-1275_communication_if-you-already-know-what-your-response-w_1303801.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6c9/elizabeth-wurtzel-1275_communication_if-you-already-know-what-your-response-w_1303801.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6c9/elizabeth-wurtzel-1275_communication_if-you-already-know-what-your-response-w_1303801.png)

> ““If you already know what your response will be before you've heard what the other person has said, you are not listening.””

[Elizabeth Wurtzel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elizabeth-wurtzel/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Pre‑judging a response prevents genuine listening.

**In simple terms:** Assuming replies stops real listening.

Key Takeaway

Listen before forming conclusions.

Themes

communication mindfulness empathy

Mood

thoughtful calm

Type

interpersonal self‑improvement

When to use this quote

- relationships
- conflict resolution
- team meetings

Key Concepts

active listening self‑awareness

Questions to Reflect On

- How often do you anticipate others’ words?
- What habits foster true listening?

A Different Perspective

People may need time to process before responding.

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[Communication](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/communication/) [Heard Person](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/heard-person-578099/) [Know Response](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/know-response-1152304/) [Person Said](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/person-said/) [Response](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/response/) [Said Listening](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/said-listening-1240303/)

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