Active listening includes all of the appropriate non-verbal and verbal cues that indicate you are listening. Active listening provides a feedback loop that ensures you are getting better and more accurate information. Active listening reduces misunderstandings and encourages open communication. The goal of active listening is to go beyond listening to understanding. People have a strong desire to be understood.
Words are simply a vehicle to convey a meaning.
Active listening allows you to make sure that you hear the words and that you understand the meaning behind the words. All too often, we simply assume that we understand what someone means by what he or she says. We make an educated guess about his or her meaning and then act as if that guess is the truth. This is fine when we guess correctly, but can be disastrous when we guess wrong. This results in a lot of miscommunication.