What does active listening involve?

Active listening involves a comprehensive engagement with the speaker, which includes actively interpreting and responding to the information conveyed. This process goes beyond merely hearing the words; it necessitates understanding the message, both verbally and non-verbally. Active listeners pay close attention to the speaker's tone, body language, and expressions, allowing them to grasp the full context of the conversation. By providing relevant feedback, asking clarifying questions, and summarizing what they've heard, active listeners demonstrate their comprehension and validate the speaker's message, fostering better communication and deeper connections.

The other options highlight behaviors that are not conducive to effective listening. Ignoring non-verbal cues diminishes understanding, as much of communication is conveyed through body language and tone. Partially concentrating on the speaker suggests distraction or lack of full engagement, which can lead to misinterpretations. Lastly, multi-tasking during conversations divides attention and prevents one from fully absorbing the information being shared, ultimately hindering communication effectiveness.