Things to avoid in order to listen well

I often need examples of what NOT to do, so here goes:

Do NOT practice DIRECTING - telling someone what to do, commanding them
Do NOT practice WARNING - naming potential dangers; this can feel like a threat
Do NOT practice the RIGHTING REFLEX - telling someone what they should do
Do NOT practice PERSUADING - lecturing, arguing, reasoning
Do NOT practice MORALIZING - using the “should” word
Do NOT practice JUDGING - blaming, criticizing or disagreeing
Do NOT practice SHAMING - ridiculing, teasing, condescending
Do NOT practice ANALYZING OR PROBING - interrogating
Do NOT practice DISTRACTING - using humor, changing the subject or withdrawing

Here is a shocker for you:
Do NOT practice AGREEING - this sounds like approving or praising - not our job!
Do NOT practice REASSURING - sympathizing or consoling

“What? Why not?”

Basically, these various common and often-used conversational styles block listening. They imply that we know better or worse, encourage the speaker to stop talking.

CHALLENGE: I use some of these all the time. I need to work on this. How about you? Which do NOTs do you practice often? Pay attention to these, and see if you can observe yourself causing disruptions in your intention to listen well.