What’s the #1 way you lose your listener’s attention?

by | Sep 22, 2026 | 2 comments

Whether you’re talking to your client, colleague or child, when you lose their attention, you lose the connection.

Then you lose the sale, or the buy-in, or the mutual agreement.

⚠️ You lose.

The Jam Tasting Study

Yes, I know you haven’t been to a jam-tasting lately!  While this study used jam (go with it), it’s been replicated with other items like wine and beer.

Premise: 

  • 100 people are asked to taste jams.
  • There are 40 bottles of jam in one area and 6 bottles in another area.

The outcome:  More people favor the table with more tasting opportunities.

BUT, which table had more sales? 

  • 40 jams to taste: 3% sales.
  • 6 jams to sample: 30% sales!!

Bottom line:

  • ⚠️ A confused listener tunes out.
  • ⚠️ A confused buyer says no.

Confusion creates noise. Confusion causes mental fatigue. Confusion defaults to a “no”.

How does confusion negate your messaging?

  • ⚠️ When you say too many things, your main value gets buried.
  • ⚠️ Listeners refuse to burn extra energy trying to figure out what you’re talking about.
  • ⚠️ The automatic response is rejection.

The antidote to confusion

  • ✅ Stop giving us so many options.
  • ✅ Be very clear on your brand and what you want.
  • ✅ Less is more.

 

 

 

2 Comments

  1. Esther Donald

    During this week of endless Zoom calls, I will try to:
    ✅ Give fewer options;
    ✅ Be very clear about my message and what I want; and
    ✅ Remember that less is more.

    Enough said. Thank you, Karen, for this blog post!

    • Karen Cortell Reisman

      Esther – You confuse, you lose! Give your clients 3 choices. That’s it. Or even fewer!

      Thanks for your comments!

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