What are the six principles of active listening?

The six principles of active listening are essential for effective communication and building rapport in supportive relationships. The principles encapsulated in the correct choice emphasize engagement and understanding.

Clarifying involves asking questions to ensure that you understand the speaker's message accurately. Summarizing helps to distill the essence of what was said, confirming comprehension and showing that the listener is focused and involved. Reflection is the practice of paraphrasing or restating the speaker's thoughts and feelings, which demonstrates empathy and validation of their experiences. Acknowledging judgment means recognizing the speaker's feelings without imposing one's own judgments, fostering an environment of trust. Sharing may involve offering related experiences or insights, which can create connection while maintaining the speaker's focus as the primary concern. Paying attention is foundational; it signals to the speaker that their thoughts and feelings are important.

Each of these principles contributes to a supportive communication dynamic, making the listener a more effective advocate or support for the speaker. The other choices include elements that do not align with the constructive and empathetic approach required in active listening. For instance, options featuring "judge," "criticize," or "ignore" introduce negative or dismissive elements that undermine the core purpose of active listening, which aims to foster understanding and support.