Final answer:
The term that best describes the active engagement in a conversation with a focus on understanding the speaker's message and underlying nuances is 'C. Active listening'.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term that best describes hearing and understanding what a speaker is saying out loud, and any messages suggested behind the words, is C. Active listening. Active listening involves fully concentrating on what is being said rather than passively hearing the message of the speaker. It's about listening with all senses and engaging with the speaker to ensure understanding. This means paying attention not only to the words but also to the underlying emotion, body language, and nuances of the conversation. It involves asking questions for clarification, showing empathy, and using non-verbal cues like facial expressions to demonstrate attentiveness. Active listening is crucial as it allows for building rapport, understanding perspectives, advancing emotionally alongside the speaker, and providing thoughtful responses.