Passive listening is characterized by:
* Minimal engagement: The listener doesn't actively participate in the conversation, focusing primarily on absorbing the words spoken.
* Lack of feedback: They don't ask questions, offer opinions, or show any signs of understanding or engagement.
* Potential for misinterpretation: Because they aren't actively processing the information, passive listeners can easily miss nuances, context, and the speaker's intended message.
While passive listening can be useful in some situations, like listening to a lecture or presentation, it's not the most effective form of communication for building strong relationships or truly understanding someone's perspective.