Count how long you talked versus how long they talked. That number is information.

Conversation has a measurable shape. Most people assume they split it evenly and are surprised by the real ratio, because talking feels like participating while listening feels like waiting. The proportion tells you what you were doing in the exchange and whether the other person got anything out of it. It is one of the few things you can actually check.

In your next long conversation, keep a rough count of the minutes. Then ask two questions about whatever they raised and let the answers run. Aim to leave knowing something you did not know when you arrived.