Active listening is important for understanding others. It involves paying close attention to both the words and body language of the speaker. When actively listening, one should nod, smile, avoid distractions, and use verbal and nonverbal cues like "yes" and "huh" to encourage the speaker. Key techniques include paraphrasing, asking clarifying questions, and providing brief summaries to ensure understanding without interrupting or judging the speaker. The goal of active listening is to understand the full message being communicated.