What best describes active listening?

Active listening is characterized by behaviors that demonstrate understanding and seriousness towards the speaker. It involves fully engaging with what the other person is saying, both verbally and non-verbally, which encourages open dialogue and fosters trust. This includes using verbal affirmations like "I see" or nodding to show attentiveness, reflecting back on what has been said to ensure accurate comprehension, and asking open-ended questions to deepen the conversation.

By focusing on this understanding and showing that you value what the speaker is communicating, active listening enhances the exchange and can lead to more productive conversations. This contrasts with other choices, which do not encapsulate the essence of active listening as effectively. For example, responding without distractions is important, but it does not fully cover the aspect of showing understanding. Giving advice immediately does not listen to or validate the speaker’s feelings or needs, and interrupting for clarification disrupts the flow of conversation and can make the speaker feel undervalued.