What does being a good listener have to do with being a good writer?

When we were doing the research last year for our book, RESCUED: Saving Animals from Disaster, we had to conduct over two hundred interviews.  This meant listening to people tell about their experiences and give their opinions.  It also meant being able to ask follow up questions based on what they had said.  So often, these questions opened doors for people to dig deeper into their hearts for the information and emotions that are some of the most intriguing, gritty, and helpful aspects of the book.

How would improving your listening skills make you a better writer?

Remember, life is your page.