Which of the following refers to the act of paying attention to what a speaker says despite distractions?

The concept being described in the question aligns with attending, which refers to the act of focusing on and giving attention to a speaker and their message, even amidst distractions. When attending, listeners actively make an effort to concentrate, filtering out competing stimuli in the environment to fully engage with what is being communicated. This foundational step is crucial in the listening process because it lays the groundwork for evaluating and understanding the content of the speech. By attending, a listener prepares to absorb information and respond appropriately, making it a vital aspect of effective communication.