Which of the following best describes active listening?

Active listening is best defined as listening and providing feedback. This involves not only hearing the words spoken by the speaker but also engaging with the content and demonstrating understanding. Active listeners use verbal and non-verbal cues to show that they are attentive and interested in what is being communicated. This can include nodding, making eye contact, and paraphrasing or summarizing what has been said to ensure clarity and convey that the listener is involved in the conversation.

Simply listening without responding does not constitute active listening, as it lacks engagement with the speaker. Listening and taking notes may be helpful in some contexts, but it does not embody the interactive aspect of active listening, which is crucial for effective communication. Similarly, listening while multitasking can lead to distractions and diminish the listener's ability to fully comprehend and respond to the speaker, again deviating from the essence of active listening.

The effectiveness of active listening is paramount in fostering meaningful interactions, especially in settings such as healthcare and activity planning, where understanding the needs and concerns of individuals is essential for providing appropriate support and activities.