How can one show they are actively listening?

Actively listening involves engaging with the speaker in a way that demonstrates attentiveness and understanding. Nodding, maintaining eye contact, and providing appropriate verbal acknowledgments are all effective methods to show that you are fully present and invested in what the other person is saying. Nodding indicates agreement or understanding, eye contact conveys respect and attention, and verbal acknowledgments (such as "I see," or "That makes sense") help to affirm the speaker and encourage them to continue sharing.

In contrast, looking at your phone while someone is speaking can signal disinterest or distraction. Interrupting frequently might suggest that you are more interested in sharing your thoughts rather than listening to the other person, which can disrupt the flow of conversation and may make the speaker feel undervalued. Similarly, checking the time during a conversation can give the impression that you are anxious to leave or not fully engaged in the dialogue. Thus, the first option clearly embodies the practices of active listening, making it the correct choice.