Which option best demonstrates active listening?

Which option best demonstrates active listening?

• A. Interrupting frequently to express your point
• B. Showing disagreement immediately
• C. Paying full attention, summarizing what the speaker said, and asking clarifying questions
• D. Ignoring the speaker

Answer: (C)

Active listening means giving your full attention to the speaker, understanding what they’re saying, and then responding in a way that shows you’ve processed the message. The best choice demonstrates paying complete attention, briefly summarizing the speaker’s message to confirm you understood it, and asking clarifying questions to fill in any gaps. This combination proves you’re engaged, you’ve understood the content, and you’re seeking any details that need more explanation. Interrupting to express your own point stops the speaker from finishing and signals you’re not fully listening. Showing disagreement right away shifts the focus to your own view rather than understanding theirs. Ignoring the speaker ends the exchange entirely.

Active listening means giving your full attention to the speaker, understanding what they’re saying, and then responding in a way that shows you’ve processed the message. The best choice demonstrates paying complete attention, briefly summarizing the speaker’s message to confirm you understood it, and asking clarifying questions to fill in any gaps. This combination proves you’re engaged, you’ve understood the content, and you’re seeking any details that need more explanation.

Interrupting to express your own point stops the speaker from finishing and signals you’re not fully listening. Showing disagreement right away shifts the focus to your own view rather than understanding theirs. Ignoring the speaker ends the exchange entirely.