What is an effective way to show engagement in a conversation?

Engaging in a conversation effectively involves demonstrating active listening, which can be achieved by nodding and using verbal acknowledgments. When you nod, you non-verbally signal to the speaker that you are following along and understanding what they are saying. Additionally, verbal acknowledgments like "I see," "That makes sense," or "I understand" provide immediate feedback that encourages the speaker and shows that you value their input.

This active participation helps to create a more meaningful dialogue, promotes a positive conversational flow, and strengthens relationships. The other options—folding your arms and looking away, texting while the other person speaks, and daydreaming—convey disinterest or distraction, hinder effective communication, and may cause the speaker to feel undervalued or ignored. Engaging fully in conversations is essential for building rapport and fostering understanding between individuals.