Active listening can best be described as what?

Active listening is characterized as two-way communication because it involves not only hearing the words spoken by the other person but also understanding, interpreting, and engaging with the information being conveyed. This form of listening requires the listener to actively participate in the conversation, often by providing feedback, asking questions, and clarifying points to ensure mutual understanding.

In contrast, one-way communication, passive listening, and listening without engagement suggest a lack of response and interaction. These alternatives indicate that the listener is merely receiving information without processing it or responding, which does not fulfill the essence of active listening. Active listening fosters effective dialogue and enhances relationships through attentiveness and responsiveness, making two-way communication the definitive characteristic of this skill.