During a presentation listeners lean forward and begin taking notes. What should the speaker infer?

Correct answer: Interest and active attention have increased

The governing concept is audience non-verbal feedback. Leaning forward usually shows attention or interest, and taking notes indicates that listeners consider the information useful enough to record or examine later. Thus option C is the best inference. These behaviours do not normally indicate preparation to leave, disagreement, or failure to listen, although a speaker should still check understanding rather than assume complete agreement.