What listening technique involves paraphrasing back to the speaker?

Reflective listening is a technique that involves paraphrasing what the speaker has said to demonstrate understanding and validate their message. This process not only ensures that the listener has accurately captured the speaker's thoughts but also shows the speaker that they are being heard and understood. By reflecting back, the listener encourages further dialogue and helps create a supportive communication environment.

In reflective listening, the listener may restate the main ideas or emotions expressed by the speaker, allowing for clarification if needed. This approach fosters deeper connections and can lead to more effective problem-solving and conflict resolution.

Other listening techniques, such as active listening, empathic listening, and critical listening, serve different purposes. While active listening encompasses a range of skills including attentive listening and appropriate responses, reflective listening specifically focuses on paraphrasing. Similarly, empathic listening prioritizes understanding and sharing the speaker's feelings without necessarily paraphrasing, and critical listening involves evaluating the content for logic and validity, rather than merely reflecting it back.