Test Active and effective listening techniques

QUESTION 1: What is the first fundamental step to prepare for active and effective listening?

Mentally prepare your answer
Remove distractions and your own self (opinions, judgments, etc.) from your path
Use tag lines like "I see"
Maintaining a prolonged silence

It can be a tactical advantage, as the other person may feel uncomfortable and fill the silence with more information
It shows weakness and lack of arguments
It makes the other person feel more comfortable and relaxed
Accelerates conflict resolution

Because it allows you to plan a winning response while the other person is speaking
Because it intimidates the other person and makes them give in
Because it shows respect and makes the other person feel valued and understood
Because it helps to find the weak points in the other person's argument