You and a coworker are presenting a status report to a client. the project is a little behind schedule and may need to be adjusted. you have prepared a detailed presentation updating the client on the current state of research and development for the project.
while you are meeting with the client, your coworker frequently checks his email, shuffles through papers, and interrupts you. the client is getting noticeably agitated with your coworker. the client seems worried about the project and unable to get a clear idea of why it is behind schedule. you fear that the client will begin to question your team's credibility.
you decide to take control of the meeting. you ask the client to present all his questions and concerns. you indicate that he will not be interrupted. your coworker takes the cue and begins taking copious notes, trying to record every word that the client says.
after expressing his concerns, the client then asks for your response. to calm the client's fears and to get the meeting back on track, you attempt to get to the core of his concerns. unfortunately, your coworker doesn't really understand what the client has said and gets hung up on inconsequential details.
if you were to make suggestions to your coworker to him improve his listening, what would you suggest he do first?