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The simplest approach to becoming a better listener.

Focus first on giving others your complete attention. Once you feel confident you've improved, begin becoming more consistent in adding a small gap of silence between what's said by someone else and your response. Finally, work more to minimize interruptions.

give complete attention

• maintain eye contact and face the speaker
• acknowledge key points with a nod, smile or brief comment ("I see," "I understand," "right," etc.)
• dismiss distractions and acknowledge phones, email, instant messengers and other people following the current interaction
• confirm understanding by rephrasing pertinent discussion issues

add a gap of silence

• add a small gap of silence between what the speaker says and your response - just an extra beat or two. this will help you minimize any tendency to interrupt and may encourage others to open up and share more (giving you the opportunity to learn more)

minimize interruptions

• wait for the person to pause fully before asking questions to clarify
• if you absolutely have to interrupt, a quick "I'm sorry, but [explain the crisis/problem/situation]." is polite
• if you need to interrupt a conversation at work, say either "I'm sorry, I need this addressed." (if you're the boss) or "I'm sorry, this interruption is unavoidable." (if you're an employee)
• in any situation, make absolutely sure that what you have to say is worth the interruption

you might be an interrupter if you say.

"I don't mean to interrupt but..."

"Sorry to interrupt..."

"That reminds me..."

"Excuse me..."

"Oh hey real quick..."

"Real quick..."

"Oh yeah..."

"Oh hey..."

"You know what..."

"Well that's not what I heard..."

"Wait..."

"That doesn't sound right..."

"You know..."

"So you're telling me..."