What aspect of communication involves listening and interpreting messages?

Active listening is a crucial aspect of communication that encompasses both listening and interpreting messages. This skill goes beyond just hearing the words being spoken; it requires the listener to engage thoughtfully with the speaker, demonstrating attention and understanding. Active listening involves providing feedback, paraphrasing what the speaker has said, and asking questions when necessary to clarify meaning.

In contrast, nonverbal communication primarily focuses on body language, facial expressions, and other physical cues that may accompany spoken messages but do not inherently involve interpreting the content of those messages in-depth. Verbal communication, while essential for conveying messages, does not emphasize the attentive listening component that active listening entails. Visual signaling refers to the use of visual aids or signals to communicate, which again does not involve the interpretative listening process central to effective dialogue. Thus, the emphasis on interaction, engagement, and understanding makes active listening the correct choice for this aspect of communication.