Active listening is a way of listening and responding that shows interest in what the speaker is saying and ensures mutual understanding.

Active listening is indeed a way of listening and responding that demonstrates engagement with the speaker. It emphasizes the importance of both understanding the content of what is being said and being attuned to the speaker's emotions and intentions. This technique involves not just hearing the words but processing the information critically, confirming comprehension, and reflecting back what has been communicated to establish a mutual understanding.

In the context of public safety telecommunication, active listening is particularly crucial, as it helps telecommunicators gather accurate information from callers, who may be experiencing distress or confusion. By showing interest and validating the speaker's feelings, a telecommunicator can facilitate better communication, making it easier to assess situations and provide necessary assistance. This approach ensures that the telecommunicator understands both the facts presented and the emotional state of the caller, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness of the communication process.