What does active listening involve?

• A. Using verbal and non-verbal cues to show understanding and providing feedback to the speaker
• B. Speaking rapidly to cover more topics
• C. Interrupting to correct minor errors
• D. Ignoring nonverbal signals

Answer: (A)

Active listening means giving full attention to the person speaking, using verbal and nonverbal cues to show you understand, and providing feedback to confirm what was said. In practice, you nod, use brief verbal prompts like “I see,” paraphrase what you heard, and ask clarifying questions to ensure you’ve captured both the content and the emotions behind what the speaker is sharing. This approach helps reveal patients’ beliefs, concerns, and preferences, which is essential for culturally sensitive care. It also reduces miscommunication by staying with the speaker’s message rather than rushing, interrupting, or ignoring nonverbal signals.