Final answer:
Listening is often incorrectly thought of as passive communication due to the listener's quiet concentration; however, it is an active process essential for building rapport and participating in discussions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Because the listener may be concentrating and not speaking, listening is often thought of as passive communication. However, effective listening is an active process that involves engaging with the speaker's message, understanding the emotion behind it, and even preparing to respond. Unlike passive reading, where one might skim for the gist, active listening requires full attention and participation.
Active listening is a key component in building rapport, as it shows that you're interested and want to be actively involved. During conversations or meetings, speaking up and participating shows engagement. It's beneficial to ask questions for clarification and offer ideas, which signifies that you are an active participant in the communication process.