Active listening requires which of the following skills?

Active listening is a critical component of effective communication and leadership. It involves not just hearing the words spoken, but fully engaging with the speaker in a way that fosters understanding and connection.

Asking clarifying questions is essential in active listening because it demonstrates the listener's engagement and desire to understand the message fully. This skill encourages the speaker to elaborate on their thoughts and feelings, ensuring that the listener grasps the nuances of the conversation. Clarifying questions can also prevent misunderstandings by allowing for the confirmation of information and the exploration of ambiguous points.

In contrast, displaying indifference, forgetting delivered content, and ignoring emotional cues detract from the active listening process. Indifference conveys a lack of care or interest, which can discourage open communication. Forgetting the content delivered can lead to missed information and misunderstandings, while ignoring emotional cues fails to acknowledge the non-verbal elements of communication that are often crucial for a complete understanding of the speaker’s message. Hence, the ability to ask clarifying questions is a fundamental skill that supports the principles of active listening and effective dialogue.