The primary sensory skill involved in verbal communication is?

Listening is the primary sensory skill involved in verbal communication because it allows for the understanding, interpretation, and processing of the spoken word. Effective listening is essential for meaningful exchanges, as it enables a person to grasp the content, emotions, and intentions behind the speaker's message. When one listens actively, they engage not only with the vocabulary being used but also with the nuances of tone and body language that convey additional meaning.

While speaking, writing, and reading are all important components of communication, they do not primarily focus on the sensory intake of information. Speaking and writing are expressive skills, where individuals articulate their own thoughts, while reading is about decoding written language. Listening stands out because it is the primary method through which individuals absorb and respond to communication from others, making it critical to building rapport and understanding in therapeutic contexts.