What key skill does "active listening" in coaching incorporate?

Active listening in coaching is essential for fostering a strong rapport between the coach and the client. It involves fully concentrating on what the client is saying, ensuring that the coach understands the message being conveyed, responding thoughtfully, and remembering key details. This process allows the coach to not only grasp the content of the client's words but also to pick up on non-verbal cues and emotions, leading to a deeper understanding of the client's perspective.

By engaging thoroughly in the act of listening, the coach can tailor their responses and interventions to meet the client's needs more effectively, facilitating a supportive and constructive coaching relationship. This skill builds trust and openness, enabling clients to explore their thoughts and feelings more freely, which is crucial in the coaching process.

The other options do not align with the core principles of active listening. Ignoring the client’s emotions and preparing to give advice detracts from the fundamental goal of understanding the client's experience. Similarly, talking more than listening undermines the very nature of effective communication in a coaching context.