National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI) Business Practice Exam

What is an example of active listening skills?

1. Summarizing what has been said

2. Paraphrasing what has been said

3. Asking irrelevant questions

4. Nodding without feedback

The correct answer is: Paraphrasing what has been said

Active listening skills involve fully engaging with the speaker to understand their message, and paraphrasing is a key component of this process. When someone paraphrases what has been said, they restate the speaker's points in their own words, demonstrating that they have understood the content and allowing for clarification if necessary. This technique not only confirms comprehension but also makes the speaker feel heard and valued, fostering a positive communication environment. In contrast, summarizing, while beneficial, often condenses the information without reflecting the speaker's exact ideas. Asking irrelevant questions distracts from the conversation and can indicate a lack of interest or understanding. Similarly, nodding without providing feedback does not engage with the speaker on a deeper level and may signal passive listening rather than active participation. Thus, paraphrasing stands out as a distinct and effective example of an active listening skill.