How can one actively listen?

• A. Show empathy.
• B. Interrupt the speaker when you disagree.
• C. Judge the speaker's motives.
• D. Prepare your reply while they are speaking.

Answer: (A)

Active listening means giving your full attention to the speaker, understanding their message, and responding in a way that shows you have heard them. Showing empathy is the best way to do this because it communicates that you understand their feelings and perspective, validating their experience and building trust, which encourages open and honest communication.

Interrupting the speaker when you disagree disrupts the flow and signals that your own point matters more than theirs, making it hard to fully grasp what is being said. Judging the speaker’s motives biases your interpretation and damages trust. Preparing your reply while they are speaking splits your attention and causes you to miss important details, preventing true understanding.