Which statement best reflects being an 'active' listener?

• A. Verbalize your own judgments
• B. Show presence and respond with concise responses only
• C. Allow attention, concern, empathy and compassion to be communicated through presence and manner
• D. Interrupt to provide solutions

Answer: (C)

Active listening means being fully present with the person, paying attention to both what they say and how they feel, and showing you care through your presence, tone, and responses. The best statement captures this by describing attention, concern, empathy, and compassion communicated through your presence and manner. This approach invites the speaker to share more and helps build trust and rapport, which are essential in social work practice.

Verbalizing your own judgments undermines trust and can shut down conversation. Providing only concise responses may signal limited engagement and fail to convey empathy, and interrupting to offer solutions cuts the speaker off and shifts the focus away from their experience.