What must individuals actively do to facilitate effective interpersonal communication?

Active listening is fundamental to fostering effective interpersonal communication. It involves fully engaging with the speaker, understanding their message, and responding appropriately. This means not just hearing the words being said, but also paying attention to the speaker's tone, body language, and emotions. By practicing active listening, individuals create a more open and reciprocal communication environment, which helps to build trust and encourages more meaningful exchanges.

In contrast, complex language can hinder communication by complicating the message and making it difficult for others to follow. Remaining passive during discussions can lead to misunderstandings, as it may prevent individuals from fully grasping the conversation's content or contributing their thoughts. Focusing only on one's own ideas disregards the importance of collaboration and responsiveness in dialogue, limiting the potential for mutual understanding and effective communication. Thus, engaging in active listening is essential to ensure all parties feel heard and valued in any conversation.