To SELL and SUCEED - LISTEN FIRST.
Clear your mind.
Give your contact your undivided attention.
Make eye contact.
Avoid time constraints.
Never interrupt.
Clarify their meaning when needed.
Be aware of your and their body language.
Keep your opinions to yourself.
Play back what you heard to confirm.
STOP listening if you feel the communicant is acting.
If you listened well when you come to communicate your views (say the Benefits of your product/service) your chances of hitting the contact's “hot button” are at their maximum.
Michael Caine is reputed to have said "you not need to say more to be effective".