What specific verbal and non-verbal behaviors demonstrate active listening to ensure accurate understanding of another person's perspective?

Specific verbal behaviors that demonstrate active listening include: asking clarifying questions ('Can you tell me more about...?'), paraphrasing what the speaker has said ('So, if I understand correctly, you're saying...?'), summarizing key points ('To recap, we've discussed...?'), using minimal encouragers ('I see,' 'Uh-huh,' 'That's interesting') to show engagement, and avoiding interrupting the speaker before they've finished their thought. Specific non-verbal behaviors that demonstrate active listening are: maintaining eye contact to show attentiveness (without staring intensely, which can be off-putting), nodding occasionally to indicate understanding, adopting an open posture (uncrossed arms and legs) to signal receptiveness, mirroring the speaker's body language subtly to create rapport, minimizing distractions (putting away phone, turning away from other activity), and maintaining a facial expression that reflects the speaker's emotional state (showing empathy). These verbal and non-verbal cues, when used together, communicate to the speaker that they are being heard, understood, and valued, which fosters accurate understanding and strengthens the relationship.