Great message on how to be a good listener. You offered many good examples on how to do so in your post (I.e. not talking about yourself for instance). To add to what you are saying - dont give advice unless asked for it. Or ask the person first if they want your advice. As you suggested people want to talk about themselves and be listened to first and foresmost. Often they do not want you to solve their problems. Other techniques on how to be a good listener are to lean forward into the conversation to convey interest and encourage people to talk with head nods, questions, paraphrases, summarizing what they are saying, simple "mm-hmm"s and prompts.
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