During a presentation, a student gives a prepared answer without understanding the audience's question. Which process should have been followed first?

Correct answer: Listen and clarify the intent of the question

The governing concept is listener-centred communication and active listening. Before selecting or delivering an answer, the speaker must identify what the audience is actually asking; if the meaning is uncertain, a clarification question is appropriate. Option C is correct because understanding intent comes before response construction. Making the answer longer, speaking more loudly, or changing the subject cannot compensate for answering the wrong question.