Never interrupt, especially to talk about yourself.

Interrupting will make the speaker feel undermined like you have something better to say than them. Always let the speaker fully finish what they are saying.

Give your undivided attention to the speaker.

When listening to the speaker sometimes it is easy for the mind to wander or to think about what you need to do by the end of the week. Focus on what exactly the speaker is saying instead of creating snap judgments in your head.

Pay attention to your own vibes that you are giving off.

Make sure that you are giving off an accepting, open-minded, interested, focused and genuine vibe. What kind of message am I sending?

Be comfortable with silence.

Most people feel awkward or feel the need to say more when there is total silence. Feel the silence out instead of trying to fill it. Most of the time empathy and the listeners presence that counts rather than the actual answers. Answers are sometimes not so simple. Be there to listen even if it’s silent.

Do not draw yourself into complaining about your life and making it a competition.

Even though you may be having problems as a listener bringing hose up may not be the best thing. It will change the speaker’s view of you to an arrogant one faster than a blink of an eye. In this situation, they are your focus, not your own problems.