Active listening is a vital skill that requires us to pay attention to what others are saying, without judgment. It means fully focusing on the message being communicated, both verbally and non-verbally. A few synonyms for active listening include attentive listening, engaged listening, curious listening, deep listening, empathic listening, and mindful listening. Attentive listening involves being fully present and intent on understanding the speaker's message. Engaged listening requires an open mind, asking questions, and seeking clarification. Curious listening involves being genuinely interested in the speaker's perspective. Deep listening requires staying attentive to the speaker's words, emotions, and body language. Empathic listening involves putting ourselves in the speaker's shoes to understand their perspective. Mindful listening requires being fully aware of the present moment and suspending judgment to understand the speaker's message.