What term describes the practice of focusing fully on what a speaker is saying, actively engaging with the message?

The practice of focusing fully on what a speaker is saying and actively engaging with their message is referred to as active listening. This involves not just hearing the words but also understanding, interpreting, and responding to the speaker in a way that indicates comprehension and empathy. Active listening encourages the listener to give full attention, avoiding distractions and minimizing interruptions, which fosters better communication and connection between individuals.

Active listening includes techniques such as summarizing what the speaker has said, asking clarifying questions, and providing feedback that shows the listener is engaged. This practice is vital in healthcare settings, where patient advocates need to deeply understand patients' concerns, feelings, and preferences to effectively assist them in navigating their care.

In contrast, passive hearing is a more superficial engagement with auditory stimuli, where sounds are processed without true understanding or emotional engagement. Selective attention involves focusing on specific stimuli while ignoring others, which can hinder the full understanding of a speaker’s message. Reflective listening is a related but distinct concept where the listener reflects back what they’ve heard, which is often a component of active listening but does not encompass the entirety of the active listening process.