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Listening is the first act of communication. Many people that I help to overcome social phobias express fears of not being able to start and maintain a conversation. I explain that what most people need in company is someone to listen, to understand, empathise and show interest in their presence and in their lives.

There are many people who are good at talking and some who dominate conversations, so that nobody can get a word in edgeways. People who are good at listening are thin on the ground, even though the basis of meaningful contact with another is active listening.