What Is It Good For?
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This communication
tool will help you focus on participants' real, specific issues
and concerns, rather than what you think these are. Reflective
listening will stave off possible misunderstandings and provide
a clearer picture of concerns, interrelationships, and the decision
process.
Practice truly listening and reflecting what you heard back
to participants. |
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How Do I Use It?
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A philosopher once said, "We have two
ears and one mouth--use them in the correct proportions."
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Rather than figuring out a reply to a person's
comment while he or she is speaking, figure out a paraphrase of
that comment. Repeat the comment back ("In other words, . . ."
or "So what you are saying is . . ."). You will get a confirmation
or a further clarification ("Yeah, that's what I mean" or "No,
I mean . . ."). This process can also give you time to clarify
your thoughts so that you can respond to the comment.
To practice listening in a team or a small group meeting,
you might have one person say what he or she feels is the most
important aspect of a study. Then the next team member would paraphrase
that comment and add his own comment.
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