Final answer:
Active Listening requires a conscious effort to not only hear but fully understand what the other person is communicating including the emotional undertones. This engagement is key to effective communication and rapport building.
Step-by-step explanation:
Active Listening is when a person makes a conscious effort to hear and understand another person so that they receive and understand the complete message. This skill requires the listener to fully concentrate, understand, respond and then remember what is being said. It is a critical component in effective communication and is fundamental in building rapport with others. Active Listening is not just about the content loaded; it's also about being attuned to the emotions behind the words.
Being an effective listener involves participation in discussions, actively asking questions for clarification, and offering ideas. This demonstrates interest and helps the listener to engage more fully with the speaker. In contrast to simply hearing the speaker, Active Listening involves a high level of awareness and effort.