Which of the following is NOT a key component of effective listening?

Creating mental summaries is not typically considered a key component of effective listening. Effective listening involves actively engaging with the speaker, understanding their message in its entirety, and being attentive to both verbal and non-verbal cues.

Listening for total meaning involves gathering the overall message, which helps the listener to fully comprehend what the speaker is trying to convey. Interpreting body language is crucial, as non-verbal signals can provide additional context to the spoken words. Responding to feelings also plays an important role, as it demonstrates empathy and emotional understanding, fostering a deeper connection and better communication.

While creating mental summaries can be a helpful technique for retaining information and organizing thoughts post-listening, it is not a fundamental component that defines effective listening in the moment. Instead, effective listening focuses on understanding and engaging with the speaker's message as it is delivered.