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Reflective listening involves repeating back what someone shares with you to show you're actively engaged. However, merely echoing their words like a parrot doesn't always capture true understanding.
Being a good listener is a highly sought-after skill in both personal and professional settings. Dr. Travis Bradberry, co-author of Emotional Intelligence 2.0, outlines the most effective approach to listening:
When practicing reflective listening, don’t just regurgitate the speaker's exact words. Instead, rephrase their message in your own words to show that you’ve truly processed the information.
Reword and reinterpret their message to demonstrate that their words are having an impact on you, rather than just bouncing back at them. Repeating what they say word-for-word can sometimes be less effective than remaining silent. You can explore more listening strategies through the link below.
Photo by Ky.
