Focusing, understanding, remembering, evaluating, and responding are elements in:

The correct answer is active listening because it encompasses a variety of cognitive processes that enhance one's ability to fully engage with and comprehend the speaker's message. Active listening involves focusing on the speaker, which requires concentration and minimizing distractions. Understanding entails making sense of the information conveyed, while remembering refers to retaining important points for future reference. Evaluating is the process of critically assessing the information presented, and responding involves providing appropriate feedback or reactions to demonstrate engagement and comprehension.

These elements work together to create a dynamic interaction where the listener not only hears the words but also grasps the underlying meanings and intentions behind them. Active listening is essential in effective communication as it fosters better relationships, promotes empathy, and facilitates clearer exchanges of ideas and feelings.

In contrast, the other options do not combine these elements as effectively as active listening. Planning communication refers to organizing thoughts and messages before delivery, interpersonal listening relates to understanding others in a relational context, and SMART communication focuses on specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound objectives—none of which encapsulate the full range of cognitive engagement involved in active listening.