What is a good listener?

A good listener is focused on the other person and what they are saying. If the message is unclear, a good listener would then clarify by restating what they think they just heard, and then asking the person they are communicating with if what they think they heard is right. Here is a scenario:

Speaker: "I really need to get a job".

Listener: "Are you saying you need a job because you are having financial

issues?" (clarifying what the listener thinks he heard)

Speaker: "No! I'm OK with money. I need a job because I can't stand to sit at

home another day, bored out of my freakin' mind!".

Listener: "I see, you need a job because you're bored. Is that right?"

(restating/rephrasing and asking if he is correct)

Speaker: "Yeah, man. I'm bored crazy! I need a job!"