Listening

Dr Joyce Brothers said "Listening not imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery"

Listening is such a skill and I use the LADDER approach - I can't remember where I got this from but it works very well
L= Look directly at the person
A= Ask questions periodically
D= Don't interrupt the speakers train of thought
D= Don't change the subject
E= Empathise with the feelings of the speaker
R= Respond both verbally and non verbally.

Has anyone else got ideas of how to listen effectively?