As I tread my path with ADHD, I've realized that the secret to having focused conversations isn't in fighting the chaos but in learning to ride its waves with grace and purpose. These are some of the tricks I learned, sometimes in work settings and on a personal level!

Active listening

Fun fact: I didn't know "active listening" was a thing, and whomever I was talking to would slowly transform into the teacher's wah-wah voice from those Charlie Brown cartoons if I wasn't careful. If the conversation is important, I make it an active point to engage, listen to understand versus wait to speak, repeat essential points for better comprehension, and all that stuff. Even mentally thinking, "Okay, it's time for me to listen now actively," has helped.

Setting reminders and using to-do lists and calendars to stay organized and avoid missed commitments

It doesn't matter if we're chatting in person or online -- if some date or action item is mentioned, I bust out my phone to use Google Calendar or Things App, respectively, to ensure I don't forget about the follow-up. Goes in one ear and out the other otherwise.

Taking breaks during conversations to process information and reduce overwhelm

Intense conversations happen, whether in life or not. I have been known to say something like, "Hey, is it cool if we take 5 and use the bathroom?" This is especially the case where I'm expected to make a significant decision afterward. I learned that if I don't give myself time to process, I've signed up to do something I didn't 100% want to do because I couldn't process it then.