There are many reasons we eavesdrop.We eavesdrop to find out information, to amuse ourselves, or to develop our writing skills.Collecting fragments of conversations not only teaches us about people but also about human communication and connection, it's an art form.
Step 1: Take a walk around closed doors.
Maybe you would like to know how mad your parents are about your D in Chemistry, what your son is saying to his friend on the phone, or if your roommate really thinks about you.Go quietly to the door.Don't be suspicious if someone walks by and sees you.It seems like you have a reason to be there, such as picking up something you dropped outside of the door.If you eavesdrop on someone coming out of the door, you could say something like, "Oh, I was just coming to find you."Come up quickly with a question to ask.
Step 2: You can listen through the window.
If you crouch down and put your ear to the door, you may be able to hear more.If anyone sees a pile of papers on the floor, they will think you are kneeling down to pick them up.
Step 3: A thin glass is used.
If you want to hear something through a wall, you can use a thin drinking glass.Place the rim of the glass on the wall.It's best to use this method in a place where you won't be seen.If someone sees you listening through a drinking glass, you will have a harder time faking it.
Step 4: In the next room, quietly sit.
It is possible to position yourself in a good location to eavesdrop on a conversation that has already begun.Pretend to have a good reason to be there and be quiet about it.The boss's office is next to the supply closet and the competition has a meeting with the boss.Pretend you need some paperclips.You seem to be out of everything at the moment so you need to spend a bit of time stocking up.If you're at home, you might hear your parents talking in the kitchen.If they ask you what you are doing, sit quietly in the living room, but have an excuse ready.If you left something in the living room, you need to look under the couch cushions.
Step 5: Break the window.
You can see a conversation going on outside by opening your window.Don't be too obvious.Slowly open the window, instead of opening it all the way.The people you are listening to don't see you if you sit down with your ear close to the window.It's possible to listen to a conversation happening inside your house from the outside, but you'll have to plan.If you want to position yourself outside, you should crack the window prior to the conversation.Go by the window on the outside of the house to not see anyone inside.
Step 6: The sounds of other things can be eliminated.
Wherever you are trying to eavesdrop, it's important to not make any noise other than the conversation you're listening to.The T.V was turned off.To turn off overhead fans and other devices that make less obvious noises, be sure to use a stereo or mp3 player.Even small sounds can interfere with your attempt to overhear.
Step 7: There is a recording device.
If you have a recording app on your phone, you can use a small digital recorder.You should place it in a place that is still close to the people you want to record.Recording conversations in order to eavesdrop is against the law in some places.
Step 8: A spy tool is for sale.
If you enjoy listening to conversations, you might consider purchasing a tool that will allow you to do so easily.The Next Room Eavesdropping Device is a small device that allows you to amplify conversations through walls.
Step 9: Pick up another line.
If you live in a house that hasn't yet gone cell-phone-only, you can pick up another line and listen to the conversation.Make sure you don't laugh or breathe hard.
Step 10: Use social media.
Sometimesavesdropping doesn't have to be done in person.You can find out who is talking to whom on social media.
Step 11: Feign absorption is what it is.
Maybe you are at home, school, or work and plan to eavesdrop on someone.Maybe you're in the same room.The person you want to eavesdrop on won't be suspicious if you look absorbed in whatever you are doing.They might forget that you are there.If you are at work, look at your computer screen.The person in the next cubicle will think you are concentrating on your work, even though you might be typing gibberish.Put on your headphones and grab a book or magazine.Look completely disinterested in what is happening in the room and be surprised that other people are there.If you are interrupted from your magazine or music, the look on your face should say: "WOW, I didn't even realize you were in here having this private conversation."
Step 12: A prop is needed.
People will be less likely to pay attention to you if you have a prop.You can grab a book, phone, or mp3 player.You should look like you're not listening in on people's conversations if you scroll through your phone or listen to music.Don't stand out if your prop is one that helps you blend in.
Step 13: There is a good position.
The busier the place, the better.There are people hanging out in the middle of the park on a bench.For a good conversation, walk around and listen closely.If you want to eavesdrop on someone, sit down close to them, but not too close.Pretend to be interested in something.
Step 14: Get moving.
Taking public transport, eating out alone, browsing a store, and hanging out at a coffee shop will put you in a good position to eavesdrop on conversations.You can take the bus or the subway instead of driving yourself to work.Since people who commute to work are usually solo travelers and aren't generally engaged in conversations, you may have better luck on weekends or evenings when people are headed out on the town.Try to sit near a large party when eating out.If the hostess sits you at a table away from other groups, ask politely if you could have a different table near the bar, if a lot of people are hanging out there.Make a bee-line for the items on your list while shopping.Go to the aisles of the supermarket, convenience store, or neighborhood market.Walk slowly and listen for conversations in the aisles as you pick up items.You can get something to drink at a coffee shop on the weekend.It is possible to do this during the week, but weekends are better because people are out and about with friends, rather than scrambling to get work done on their lunch break.