What is another term for active listening?

Active listening is often referred to as engaged listening because it involves fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and remembering what is being said. This term highlights the proactive nature of the listener, who is not merely hearing the words but is present and participating in the conversation. Engaged listening encompasses demonstrating empathy, providing feedback, and ensuring a mutual understanding between the speaker and the listener, which is fundamental in effective communication, especially in a fire officer's role where clear information exchange is crucial.

Recognizing the other terms can help clarify why they do not fit. Critical listening is more about analyzing and evaluating the information presented, often with an intent to judge or critique, which is different from the supportive nature of engaged listening. Reflective listening involves paraphrasing or summarizing what has been said, serving more as a tool within the scope of active listening rather than a synonym. Passive listening, by contrast, is when a listener hears without actively engaging or reflecting on the message, which starkly contrasts with the concept of active or engaged listening.