This answer is a little indirect but it helped my wife get a better grasp of chess and now no seelonger sees any board state as just a bunch of useless moves.
If you have someone you play with regularly ask them to give you a handicap by verbalizing what they are thinking on their move.
-ex: "I can move my pawn up two getting control of the center, putting pressure on your knight and rook... But then your knight could fork my queen and rook... I have two pieces putting pressure on your center pawn and if I get another in position I could make a beneficial exchange... That bishop on the left hand side is not defended and could be taken advantage of..."
During your turn, the opponent doesn't speak, allowing you to form your own strategy and build your skills.
Essentially their strategy becomes an open book for you to look through which also makes for a more competitive game between the two of you. I find (as the more experienced player) playing passively (not to your fullest) teaches little to nothing to the new player while playing with your true skill makes for a one sided game that no one has fun with.
Seeing what goes through a better chess players mind will help you figure out what you should be looking for or thinking about on your turn.
In the beginning you can ask questions to understand the opponents statements but once you start understanding them, just sit back and absorb.
I'm by far not a good chess player (compared to most regular players) but being the open book opponent it also helped me with my game.
The general key points/pointers found in other answers here, should with time be revealed to you as you play more games in this format. I think you'll have a better grasp of them when you see them in action / being used by your opponent and what position it then puts you in.
(Note: only works with an honest player who will blurt out every single thought that goes through their mind. No pre-processing / filtering. Every move considered and eventually discarded is useful information to a new player)