What is a key aspect of how to listen with purpose?

Listening with purpose involves actively engaging with the speaker and understanding their message in a meaningful way. By concentrating on both facts and feelings, the listener can grasp not just the content of what is being said but also the emotional nuances that may be present. This approach fosters a deeper connection and understanding, allowing for a more empathetic and constructive dialogue.

When listeners prioritize understanding the speaker's feelings alongside the factual content, they are better equipped to respond appropriately and build rapport. Recognizing emotions can lead to more effective communication, as it shows the speaker that they are being heard and validated. This method aligns well with the goals of consultative selling, where understanding the client's needs and emotions plays a critical role in offering suitable solutions.

The other options focus more on the listener's own preparation and judgment rather than engaging with the speaker and their message. Prioritizing one's response or planning questions detracts from active listening, as it shifts attention away from understanding the speaker. Similarly, forming judgments while listening can bias the listener's understanding and response, which undermines the purpose of effective communication.