Final answer:
Engaged listening involves paying close attention to the content and emotion of the speaker's words, empathizing with their perspective, maintaining eye contact, using appropriate non-verbal cues, and participating actively in discussions.
Step-by-step explanation:
When you practice engaged listening, it's important to ignore any typos or irrelevant parts of the questions, as the focus should be on understanding and responding to the core issues being communicated. Engaged listening involves a number of strategies and behaviors that foster effective communication and the building of relationships.
Firstly, engaged listeners pay attention to both the content and the emotion behind the words being spoken. This can involve observing body language, tone of voice, and other non-verbal cues, which can give deeper insight into the speaker's message and emotional state. Engaged listeners also practice empathy, making a conscious effort to see things from the speaker's perspective, without letting their own biases or identity interfere.
Secondly, good listeners demonstrate their engagement by maintaining appropriate eye contact, using facial expressions and gestures that show understanding, and by speaking up to participate actively in discussions. Asking clarifying questions or contributing ideas shows a genuine interest and willingness to be involved in the conversation.
Lastly, an aspect of engaged listening is to be adaptable and responsive to the dynamics of the conversation. This may include adjusting to unexpected topics or being mindful of potential barriers to communication. Reflecting on what has been said and considering its implications is part of this process, which aims to include and elevate the voices of all participants.