Which term refers to the practice of acknowledging and addressing one's own biases in communication?

• A. Explicit Instructions
• B. Active Listening
• C. Implicit Bias
• D. Nonverbal Communication

Answer: (C)

Recognizing and addressing one's own biases in communication shows up as a conscious effort to uncover attitudes that might influence how we speak, listen, and interpret others. Implicit bias refers to those hidden attitudes or stereotypes we hold unconsciously, which can shape our reactions before we even realize it. When you practice acknowledging and addressing these biases, you pause to question whether your initial judgments are fair, seek clarification, invite diverse perspectives, and adjust your language to avoid presumptions. This makes interactions more accurate, respectful, and effective, especially in corrections where stakes are high and misunderstandings can escalate. The other terms point to different parts of communication: clear, direct directions; actively listening and reflecting; or nonverbal signals like posture and facial expressions. These are valuable skills, but they don't denote the ongoing practice of recognizing and mitigating personal biases in real-time communication.