Which of the following is NOT listed as a key element of active listening?

• A. Eye contact
• B. Body posture
• C. Hand gestures
• D. Verbal expressions

Answer: (C)

Active listening is shown through signals that you’re truly engaged with the speaker. Eye contact is a clear indicator you’re paying attention and respectful of the person speaking. A calm, open body posture communicates receptiveness and focus, not distraction. Verbal expressions—brief affirmations, paraphrasing what was said, and asking clarifying questions—demonstrate that you’re processing the message and want to understand it fully. Hand gestures, while they can accompany conversation, aren’t a core indicator of listening themselves; they’re more about how you express your own thoughts or emphasize points. Because of that, hand gestures aren’t considered a key element of active listening.