Active listening is best characterized by

Active listening is best characterized by fully engaging in what the individual is expressing. This involves not only hearing the words spoken but also paying close attention to the speaker's non-verbal cues, such as body language and tone of voice. Active listeners show genuine interest and empathy, which helps in building trust and understanding. By being fully present in the conversation, a listener can better understand the speaker's feelings and needs, leading to more effective communication and support.

In contrast, passive hearing refers to simply acknowledging sounds without processing their meaning, which is not the same as understanding or engaging. Distracted responses indicate a lack of attention and presence in the moment, which can lead to miscommunication. Pre-planning responses can interfere with the natural flow of the conversation and prevent the listener from truly absorbing what the speaker is saying, as it shifts focus away from the speaker’s message.