I really enjoyed your article John. As a professional mentor, I always employ the 80/20 rule. The mentee (or whoever I am listening to) speaks for 80% of the time, and I talk for only 20% of the time, so it's important to ask key, open ended questions during my 20%. My pet hate is to hear the one who is supposed to be the listener, "stealing a turn" as you point out in Point 6.  Grabbing the focus of the conversation away from the speaker and sharing your experiences or stories never complements the message of the speaker. It simply takes the focus off them and puts it squarely on you. We should never say, "I know exactly how you are feeling because I......" We are all unique beings and in my experience no one ever "feels" exactly the way you do. We need to always be aware of this and let them tell exactly how they are feeling. I've read your blog for the first time, John, but it certainly won't be the last. What you are saying is really helpful - so thank you.