IAI Certified Forensic Interviewer CFI Complete Practice Exam 2025

Active listening is a critical interviewing technique that emphasizes the importance of the interviewer's non-verbal communication. This approach involves not only hearing the words spoken by the interviewee but also paying close attention to their body language, facial expressions, and other non-verbal cues. Through effective active listening, the interviewer demonstrates empathy, validation, and respect, which can foster a more open and trusting environment for the interviewee.

In the context of active listening, the interviewer's non-verbal communication, such as maintaining eye contact, nodding, and using appropriate facial expressions, plays a significant role in conveying attentiveness and understanding. These non-verbal signals can encourage the interviewee to share more information and feel more comfortable during the interview process.

The other techniques listed, while important in their own right, do not primarily focus on non-verbal communication as the driving factor of the interaction. This distinction makes active listening particularly relevant when considering how an interviewer's demeanor and body language can impact the overall effectiveness of the interview.