"Nonversation’’ is … when instead of giving your interlocutor your full attention, you pretend to listen while doing something else.
When you do this, you’re too distracted to really understand. You offer insignificant "uh huh" in response, and are liable to miss subtle but important clues.
Set aside a predetermined time during the day to return all your calls, concentrate solely on the person on the other end, and have a proper "conversation".