The best way to respond to 'MHM'
What does 'mhm' mean?
The phrase 'mhm' is an ambiguous response that can be interpreted in different ways. Some possibilities include:
- Agreement or acknowledgment: The person is affirming what you said or signaling they heard you.
- Disinterest or distraction: The person may not be fully engaged in the conversation or find the topic uninteresting.
- Doubt or disbelief: The person may be skeptical or incredulous about something you said.
- Encouragement to continue: The person is prompting you to keep talking by making a neutral but attentive sound.
Given the uncertainty, the best approach is to remain calm and clarify the intent and meaning behind the 'mhm' before responding defensively. It often says more about the other person's listening or communication style than about you or your message.
The best 3 ways to respond to 'mhm'
Clarify by asking an open-ended question. For example, ask "What are your thoughts on this?" or say "Do you have any concerns or opinions to share?" This can reveal their position in a non-confrontational way.
Share your interpretation and check if it's correct. You might say, "I'm hearing this as disagreement. Am I understanding you correctly?" This gives them a chance to clear up any confusion.
Keep speaking while staying open to their input. Continue the conversation in a collaborative way by saying something like, "Let me explain further. I'm interested in your perspective and want to make sure I address any questions or concerns you may have." Then pause to give them an opening to contribute.
What are considerations when responding to 'mhm'?
Some things to keep in mind:
Stay calm and composed. Do not get defensive or attack the other person. React with patience and empathy.
Focus on listening, not just speaking. Make space for the other person to voice their thoughts and clarify as needed. Rushing to judgments will likely make the situation worse.
Be flexible in your thinking. Do not assume one interpretation is necessarily correct. 'Mhm' can mean different things to different people or in different contexts. Seek to understand rather than make assumptions.
Place value on the relationship. Respond in a way that strengthens trust and goodwill rather than creating distance or damage. Choose compassion over taking offense.
Clarify for the benefit of the conversation, not just for your own comfort. Make sure any misunderstandings are resolved so you can have a productive dialogue.
Summary
In summary, receiving an ambiguous 'mhm' response can introduce uncertainty and opportunities for misunderstanding in a conversation. The wisest approach is to remain open-minded, focus on listening, and clarify in a cooperative spirit. Do not make assumptions about the other person's intent or meaning. With empathy, patience and compassion, you can gain valuable insight into their perspective and use it as a chance to build mutual understanding. While tempting to get defensive, staying calm and composed is the best way to achieve a productive conversation.