We should analyze our japa habits. Sometimes we speak to others during japa, but we would be better to speak to them after we have finished our rounds. If everyone agrees not to disturb anyone else’s japa, then everyone will be free to chant their quota without distraction. If we are motivated, we will find the means to chant without distraction. And if we want to go beyond simple listening to real meditation, we have to at least start with listening and learn to control the mind. Srila Prabhupada said that there are three important ways to fix the mind on the holy name: listen, listen, listen.
(LFD, Vol2, Chanting Purely, Pg 105, last paragraph)