What is it called when you show a person that you are actively listening and striving to understand them?

The act of showing someone that you are actively listening and trying to understand them is best characterized by reflective listening. This involves not just hearing the words being spoken but also paying close attention to the speaker’s feelings and underlying messages. In reflective listening, you demonstrate engagement by paraphrasing or summarizing what the speaker has said, which helps them feel heard and valued. This technique fosters better communication and helps build rapport, as it reflects an understanding of not only the content of the message but also its emotional context.

While empathetic listening also emphasizes understanding others' feelings and perspectives, it places more focus on emotional resonance and connection rather than the reflective techniques of summarization and feedback. The term "real listening," though it sounds intuitive, is less commonly used in professional settings and doesn’t have a standardized definition. Therefore, the most accurate term within the context of listening skills and psychological practices is reflective listening.

The mention of "all of the above" could suggest a broader understanding, however, it does not capture the specific focus on the active and structured nature of reflective listening as accurately as the correct answer does. Reflective listening remains the most precise term to describe the active engagement in listening that is centered on striving to understand the speaker’s message in full