Skill

Paraphrase What I Heard

Restate the other person’s message in your own words to check understanding.

Before you use this with another personUse communication, repair, return, or contact only when it is lawful and the other person is willing. If a court order limits contact, location, or communication, follow it exactly. A coping or communication skill never creates permission to call, text, message, visit, follow, return, or use another person to pass a message.
What it is

Paraphrasing slows the conversation down and reduces misinterpretation.

How to do it
Listen fully.
Identify the main point.
Put it into your own words.
Keep your tone neutral.
Ask if you got it right.
Try It Now
Remember
Check your understanding before defending your position.
Want to understand this more deeply?

Chapter 5: Communicate Better

Read the story and teaching behind this skill, then come back here when you want to practice it.

Read chapter

Related Skills