When using active listening, you should:

• A. Concentrate on the feedback process
• B. Spend more time asking questions than listening
• C. Use physical barriers to separate the message
• D. Focus on the sender

Answer: (D)

Active listening means giving the speaker your full attention and focusing on understanding what they are communicating, including tone, intent, and any nonverbal cues. The best approach is to focus on the sender because it ensures you accurately grasp the message, the why behind it, and any concerns or emotions they’re conveying. By centering on the person speaking, you’re more likely to pick up details you might otherwise miss, confirm you’ve understood correctly, and respond in a way that addresses their needs.

Concentrating on the feedback process can pull your attention toward your own response, which can cause you to miss important parts of the message. Spending more time asking questions than listening disrupts the flow of understanding and may prevent you from fully hearing what’s being said. Using physical barriers blocks the message entirely, making it impossible to pick up cues or respond effectively. So, keeping your focus on the sender is the most effective practice for true active listening.