Running a great tabletop campaign isn't just about talking out loud, describing scenery, and voicing NPCs. There is a large portion of the game that a game master will spend in silence, biding their time and taking in all the activity and table chatter as the game group confers.
Listening is key to good game mastery! The players are the focus of any good adventure, so the spotlight needs to spend a lot of time on them and their characters. There are a few helpful techniques that can be used to know when to listen carefully and how to use the information you receive.
First, remember that the game master does not need to be involved in every scene, or every moment, in a game. When players have a group conference, or even a one on one interaction, there is not much for the game runner to do besides observe. Let the group have their moment to sort out their thoughts and act out their characters. Provide a lot of these moments to let the group interact with each other rather than directing everything to the DM.
When they stop to talk strategy, remain attentive and learn from their conversation. What are they planning? Will it be direct or subtle? Are there any risks involved? The benefit of this process is that you can know what to prepare for the next encounter based on what they are talking about.
Sometimes you might even hear the players bring up a detail you hadn't originally considered, allowing you to work it into your plans. If they plan on talking to the chief of security, you'd best make sure you have something planned for that scene. If they suddenly worry that they may have tipped off their enemies with their last radio transmission, you might need to ask yourself if you want to make that true or not. Your players can provide you with plenty of creative fodder if you take the time to listen.
Another thing to listen for is important information from character dialogue. What is important to the PCs? What is it they fear? The subjects a character chooses to talk about, and how they choose to phrase things can tell you a lot about them. Sometimes they might also give you insight into the players' actual feelings as well. You can tell if a player is bored or excited, allowing you to adjust the direction of the game in response to their mood. Learn when to become quiet and gauge your audience before moving to the next scene. And it's okay to reverse the roles and let yourself become the audience as you enjoy watching your players create their own fun for a while.
It also pays to listen in while you are still occupied by something else. Even when you are just preparing your notes, it can be helpful to keep an ear out for your players' remarks. Don't let it become a distraction, but remember that an overheard remark from a player could be very important to your planning and preparation even as you continue to work on it.
I often emphasize the importance of asking questions at the game table, and that advice applies DMs as much as players. Don't feel shy about asking players to repeat themselves so you can understand, or asking them about their thoughts or plans if you are unsure. Make eye contact with the player so they feel engaged and reminded that their input is just as important as yours to keep the game on track.
In general, a good game master will want to be as attentive as they expect their players to be. Listen carefully when a player declares an action, speaks a line of dialogue, or asks an out of character question. If you show this respect and consideration to the player, they will be more likely to do the same for you. This is DMpathy in action, the mutual symbiosis shared between player and DM. If you apply this give and take to your game, your players will be all the happier for it.
Happy ventures!
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