In active listening, which tip does not belong?

• A. Give Advice
• B. Paraphrase to Confirm Understanding
• C. Maintain Eye Contact
• D. Ask Clarifying Questions

Answer: (A)

Active listening is about understanding the speaker’s message through engagement and reflection, not immediately offering solutions. Techniques that support this goal include paraphrasing what you heard to confirm you understood, maintaining eye contact to show attention, and asking clarifying questions to uncover details or resolve ambiguities. These practices keep the focus on the speaker’s needs and help you accurately interpret their meaning. Giving advice, while useful in many contexts, doesn’t fit the active-listening approach because it shifts the dynamic from listening to directing, and can interrupt the speaker’s flow or feel like you’re judging their situation. It’s best saved for times when input is requested or after you’ve fully understood what they’re saying.