What are the two types of listening skills described in SkillsUSA materials?

• A. Critical
• B. Active
• C. Active/Critical
• D. Reflective

Answer: (C)

SkillsUSA materials describe two types of listening skills: active listening and critical listening. Active listening means giving your full attention to the speaker, confirming understanding through paraphrase or restatement, asking clarifying questions, and showing engagement with both words and nonverbal cues. Critical listening goes a step further by evaluating what you hear—analyzing the evidence, checking credibility, identifying bias, and distinguishing facts from opinions. Using both together helps you truly understand the message and assess its validity, which is essential in teamwork, leadership, and professional problem solving. Reflective listening is related, but the materials especially pair active and critical listening as the two key types.