+1 to this. Expanding a bit... Something that helps become a more active listener is to use your imagination to create a "scene" from the story that others are sharing with you. This will keep your brain more focused on the story while also create opportunities for legitimate follow up (by trying to fill details on the scene you are creating).

A second trick is to stop a natural impulse to reply with YOUR Own story and, instead, ask a few questions to get more details.