Which active listening strategy involves paying careful attention to the speaker?

The choice that involves paying careful attention to the speaker is indeed attending to the speaker. This active listening strategy is crucial for effective communication as it ensures that the listener is fully focused on what the speaker is saying, both verbally and non-verbally. By attending to the speaker, the listener demonstrates genuine interest and respect, which helps to build rapport and encourages the speaker to express themselves more freely. This strategy involves observing body language, tone of voice, and other non-verbal cues, which can provide additional context to the spoken words.

While the other strategies—such as restating key points, asking clarifying questions, and providing solutions—are important components of active listening, they follow the initial act of attending closely to the speaker. Listening with full attention sets the foundation for these subsequent strategies. By ensuring that the listener is engaged and fully understanding the message before adding their input or clarifications, the interaction becomes more productive and meaningful.