Good listener? Party bore? Unsure of the difference?

Guy at party said upon learning a detective was in the group: "I always wanted to be an investigator -- I can talk to anyone!" The problem is not talking to anyone; the skill is getting others to talk to you in a genuine way. Reid offers some tips on listening skills:

1. Avoid assumptions before actually doing the interview. Listen fully to answers.
2. Recognize the difference between a personal judgment and a factual statement.
3. Do not assume every verbal slip-up is an admission of guilt. Develop context and follow up with specific questions in the area of concern.