Which characteristic of effective communication involves providing responses to messages?

The characteristic of effective communication that involves providing responses to messages is feedback. Feedback is essential in the communication process as it helps the sender know whether the message was understood as intended. It can take various forms, such as verbal responses, non-verbal cues, or actions that indicate comprehension or require further clarification. This two-way interaction not only confirms receipt of the message but also allows for adjustments and improvements in future communication.

Conciseness focuses on delivering messages in a clear and brief manner but does not necessarily involve responses. Engagement refers to the involvement of participants in the communication process, which can also enhance understanding, yet it is not specifically about responding to messages. Clarity involves ensuring the message is easily understood but again does not pertain to the feedback mechanism. In summary, feedback is crucial for the ongoing exchange and understanding between communicators, making it a defining characteristic of effective communication.