Name two key components of active listening.

Name two key components of active listening.

• A. Listening only to gather facts without asking questions.
• B. Attending (focused attention) and responding with paraphrase and clarifying questions to confirm understanding.
• C. Interrupting the speaker to offer solutions.
• D. Taking notes without engaging in the conversation.

Answer: (B)

Active listening rests on giving your full attention to the speaker and then providing feedback that demonstrates understanding. The two key components are attending—keeping focused attention and showing you’re present through posture, eye contact, and minimal distractions—and responding with paraphrase and clarifying questions to confirm understanding. Paraphrasing shows you captured the meaning, while clarifying questions address any gaps, keeping the conversation collaborative and reducing miscommunication—especially important in difficult talks. The other options miss essential parts: simply gathering facts without questions lacks the feedback loop; interrupting breaks the flow and erodes trust; taking notes without engaging misses the chance to show understanding and invite further dialogue.

Active listening rests on giving your full attention to the speaker and then providing feedback that demonstrates understanding. The two key components are attending—keeping focused attention and showing you’re present through posture, eye contact, and minimal distractions—and responding with paraphrase and clarifying questions to confirm understanding. Paraphrasing shows you captured the meaning, while clarifying questions address any gaps, keeping the conversation collaborative and reducing miscommunication—especially important in difficult talks. The other options miss essential parts: simply gathering facts without questions lacks the feedback loop; interrupting breaks the flow and erodes trust; taking notes without engaging misses the chance to show understanding and invite further dialogue.