"Poor communication skills can
condemn you to a life of mediocrity and
frustration. Good communication skills
can unlock your dreams of success."
Dr. Robert A. Tracz

In seminars on listening, I sometimes have someone read an introduction with 80-90 facts about me. After a brief opening, from me, I'll refer to all the facts they heard. I'll then ask the participants to list as many as they can remember.

The most I've seen anyone remember is eleven facts or eight percent of what they heard - quite a bit compared to the average. Why do we hear so little? Or should I ask, remember so little of what we hear?

It has little to do with memory and even less to do with hearing. It has to do with attention and focus.

When I ask the participants why they remembered so little, they respond that they weren't expecting to have to remember; they didn't know they would be asked, or why didn't I tell them it was going to be a test.

My point is, when someone is speaking, think of it as a test, so you can understand the intent and categorize the content. Oh, and good luck on your next test.