What is involved in the concept of "active listening"?

Active listening involves fully concentrating on, understanding, responding to, and remembering what the speaker is communicating. This means being present in the conversation and engaging with the speaker through verbal and non-verbal feedback. By focusing entirely on the speaker, a listener can better interpret the message being conveyed, which fosters clearer communication and strengthens the relationship between the speaker and listener.

Active listening also requires attentiveness to both the words being spoken and the emotions behind those words. This is crucial in many professional capacity scenarios, including those involving direct support for individuals with disabilities, where empathy and understanding are paramount. A response that shows comprehension, such as paraphrasing or summarizing key points, further demonstrates engagement with the conversation and ensures that the speaker feels heard and valued.

In contrast to this, overlooking non-verbal cues does not facilitate a deeper understanding of the speaker's message. Formulating a reply while the other person is speaking can lead to misunderstandings and disrupt the flow of communication. Repeating back everything said verbatim may not reflect actual comprehension and could lead to a mechanical interaction rather than a meaningful dialogue.