Which skill is essential for effective listening?

Active engagement and feedback are crucial for effective listening because they involve fully participating in the communication process. This means not just hearing the words being spoken, but also understanding and processing the information being conveyed. Active listening entails making eye contact, nodding or responding verbally to show understanding, and asking clarifying questions when necessary. This engagement allows the listener to grasp the speaker's message more accurately and demonstrates to the speaker that their words are valued.

In contrast, multitasking while someone is speaking diminishes the listener's ability to absorb the information being communicated. Solely focusing on the speaker's tone may lead to misinterpretation of the message, as content is often more significant than how it is delivered. Writing down every word spoken can impede the listener’s ability to engage in the conversation and respond appropriately, as it diverts attention from the speaker to note-taking. Therefore, active engagement and providing feedback enhance understanding and retention of information in effective listening.