These components involve the words and sounds used to show the speaker that you are processing the information.

To practice active listening in your next conversation, run through this checklist:

Active listening is a holistic process. invite the speaker to share; verbal cues ensure the message is understood correctly; and the attitude ensures the speaker feels safe and respected. When all three components are aligned, active listening transforms a simple exchange of words into a meaningful connection.

Unlike passive listening (where you might hear the words but let your mind wander), active listening requires the listener to provide feedback to the speaker. It is a soft skill that relies on a combination of three distinct categories of behavior: , Verbal Components , and Attitudinal Components .