Final answer:
Listening is critical in conversations as it shows interest, facilitates understanding, and makes the speaker feel acknowledged. It is a key component of effective communication and relationship building.
Step-by-step explanation:
Listening during a conversation is important because it shows you are interested, it gives you a chance to understand the problem, and it makes the speaker feel acknowledged. Good listening skills are essential for building rapport and for effective communication. To be a good listener, one should focus on not just the words being said, but also the emotions, tone, and body language of the speaker, which convey a deeper understanding of the message. During conversations, especially in situations of conflict, good listening involves expressing empathy, asking clarifying questions, and affirming what you hear to facilitate a productive and bridge-building conversation.