Active Listening:
* Paying full attention: This means focusing on the speaker's words, tone of voice, and body language. It's important to avoid distractions and let the speaker know you're engaged.
* Reflecting and clarifying: Paraphrasing the speaker's question or point back to them can ensure understanding and allow for correction if needed.
* Asking clarifying questions: If something is unclear, don't hesitate to ask for further explanation. This helps ensure you understand the question and its underlying intent.
Critical Listening:
* Analyzing the question: Consider the question's structure, the information it's seeking, and any assumptions it might make.
* Evaluating the content: Think about the question's relevance to the topic, its accuracy, and any potential biases.
* Thinking ahead: Consider how your answer will be framed and what evidence or arguments you might use to support it.
In addition to these, I would also incorporate:
* Empathetic listening: Try to understand the speaker's perspective and emotions, even if you don't agree with their question.
* Respectful listening: Acknowledge the value of the question and the person asking it, even if it's not perfect.
By combining active and critical listening, you can ensure you understand the question fully, respond appropriately, and engage in a productive Q&A session.