1.What is active listening?

1. **What is active listening?**

Active listening is a communication technique that involves fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and remembering what is being said. It requires the listener to engage with the speaker, providing feedback and clarification to ensure comprehension and connection.

2. **What is a claim?**
A claim is a statement or assertion that something is true, which can be supported by evidence or reasoning. In argumentative writing or discussions, it represents the main point that the author or speaker intends to persuade others to accept.

3. **What is a counterclaim?**
A counterclaim is an argument that opposes or refutes a claim made by another party. It presents an alternative perspective or viewpoint that challenges the original assertion, often used in debates or persuasive writing to acknowledge opposing ideas.

4. **What do we call the facts, documentation, or testimony used to strengthen a claim?**
These are referred to as **evidence**. Evidence can include data, statistics, expert opinions, research findings, or real-life examples that support a claim.

5. **What do verbal clues include?**
Verbal clues include the words, tone, pitch, and pace used by a speaker that can convey meaning, emotions, or intentions. Examples might include emphasis on certain words, phrases that indicate agreement or disagreement, and rhetorical questions.

6. **What do non-verbal cues include?**
Non-verbal cues include body language, facial expressions, gestures, eye contact, posture, and other physical signals that communicate feelings and attitudes without the use of words.

7. **Discussions are about _______________ instead of _______________. Discussion participants will hopefully reach a _______________.**
Discussions are about **collaboration** instead of **competition**. Discussion participants will hopefully reach a **consensus**.

8. **Collegial discussions are usually _______________ and _______________.**
Collegial discussions are usually **respectful** and **constructive**.

9. **Questions in a collegial discussion should relate to a ________________________________________.**
Questions in a collegial discussion should relate to a **shared topic or goal**.

10. **What is empathy?**
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings, thoughts, or experiences of another person. It involves recognizing others' emotions and perspectives, which fosters compassion and meaningful connections in communication.