Which term describes a structured form of listening that focuses on responding to the speaker?

Active listening refers to a communication technique that involves fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and remembering what the speaker is saying. This practice goes beyond merely hearing the words; it emphasizes the importance of engaging with the speaker through verbal and non-verbal feedback. Active listeners show their engagement by nodding, maintaining eye contact, and providing responses that encourage further dialogue.

This structured form of listening is essential in various settings, particularly in retail, where understanding customers’ needs and concerns directly impacts the quality of service and satisfaction. By responding thoughtfully to what the speaker shares, active listeners not only contribute to a more meaningful conversation but also build trust and rapport. This approach fosters a deeper connection between the listener and speaker, enabling better comprehension and problem-solving.

In contrast, passive listening does not involve responding or engaging with the speaker. Selective listening involves tuning into certain parts of the conversation while ignoring others, which can lead to misunderstandings. Evaluative listening focuses on making judgments about what the speaker is saying, which can detract from the intent of truly understanding the message being conveyed. Hence, active listening stands out as the method that emphasizes a genuine response and engagement with the speaker.