What best describes active listening?

Active listening is best described as focusing entirely on what the other person is saying. This approach involves fully concentrating on the speaker, understanding their message, responding thoughtfully, and retaining the information being communicated. It goes beyond just hearing words; it encompasses paying attention to non-verbal cues, such as body language and tone of voice, which can provide additional context to the spoken words.

Active listening allows for a more meaningful exchange, as it helps the listener to understand the speaker's perspective fully and promotes a strong connection. This skill is essential in law enforcement communication, where clarity and understanding can significantly impact the outcome of interactions.

The other options highlight aspects that do not align with the concept of active listening. Listening without offering feedback may lead to misunderstandings, as the listener does not engage with the speaker. Multitasking while listening inherently divides attention and often results in missing critical details. While summarizing a conversation can be a part of an effective communication strategy, it does not encompass the full essence of active listening, which is about engagement and understanding during the actual dialogue.