What does 'active engagement' mean in communication?

Active engagement in communication refers to a dynamic and interactive process where individuals are not just passively receiving information, but are fully involved in the exchange. This means participating through various means such as attentive listening, asking questions for clarification or deeper understanding, and providing feedback that contributes to the conversation. Such engagement fosters a more meaningful dialogue and enhances the overall communication experience, as it encourages a two-way interaction rather than a one-sided conversation. This approach allows for a better understanding of perspectives and promotes effective collaboration among participants.

In contrast, simply listening without responding does not facilitate dialogue, while waiting for one's turn to speak might mean someone is not truly engaged in the conversation's content. Additionally, dominating conversations can inhibit others' participation, which undermines the essence of active engagement. Therefore, fully participating through listening, questioning, and feedback best captures the concept of active engagement in communication.