What is "active listening" in communication?

Active listening is defined as fully concentrating, understanding, responding to, and remembering what the speaker is conveying. This involves not just hearing the words, but also being engaged with the speaker, providing feedback, and showing through verbal and non-verbal cues that you are processing the information being shared.

By focusing on the speaker, asking questions, and offering thoughtful responses, an active listener creates a communicative environment that fosters understanding and connection. This approach enhances the quality of communication and builds rapport, making it an essential skill in effective interaction.

The other options do not encapsulate the essence of active listening; for instance, simply listening without interruption does not guarantee comprehension or engagement. Similarly, focusing solely on gathering information disregards the relational aspect of communication, and multitasking reduces the ability to concentrate on the speaker, which can lead to misunderstandings or a lack of connection.