Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of effective communication?

Effective communication involves various skills that facilitate understanding and engagement between individuals. One key aspect of effective communication is active listening, which encourages the speaker to feel heard and valued. This practice fosters a two-way dialogue where ideas are exchanged, and perspectives are shared, leading to a more productive interaction.

Clear expression of ideas is also essential, as it helps to convey thoughts in an easily understandable manner. When communicators articulate their points clearly, it minimizes misunderstandings and ensures that the message is received as intended.

Feedback and clarification are critical components as well. They allow participants in a conversation to confirm that they have understood the message correctly and to ask questions if anything is unclear. This back-and-forth is what makes communication effective.

In contrast, monologuing without listening is counterproductive to effective communication. It creates a one-sided conversation where the speaker is not engaging with the listener or allowing for any interaction, which ultimately undermines the purpose of communication. Since effective communication relies heavily on mutual exchange and understanding, monologuing does not contribute to this goal, making it the correct answer for what is NOT a characteristic of effective communication.