Which acronym is listed as an indicator that you are hearing what someone is saying?

• A. L.I.E.R.D.
• B. S.P.E.A.R.
• C. S.P.I.K.E.
• D. None of the above

Answer: (B)

Active listening is shown by a deliberate effort to reflect back what the speaker is saying and to confirm you’ve understood them. The acronym S.P.E.A.R. is a framed approach used to signal that you’re hearing and processing the message, not just hearing the words. It emphasizes paraphrasing the speaker’s words in your own, showing empathy for how they feel, and asking clarifying questions to ensure you’ve got the message right. This combination makes the other person feel heard and helps prevent misunderstandings, which is especially important in tense situations where calm communication matters.

So, this acronym is the best fit because it directly centers the listener’s actions around confirming understanding and maintaining a constructive dialogue. The other options aren’t recognized as standard indicators of active listening in this context, so they don’t serve the same purpose.