(July 23, 2016 at 10:48 am)robvalue Wrote: What I find very useful is to paraphrase back to someone what I think they are telling me, in my own words. This shows I've been listening, it gives me the chance to see if I've understood correctly, and the other person can correct any misunderstandings.
Obviously this is something that would summarise a section of conversation, not something to do after every sentence.
When done subtly this is nice. I really hate when I'm already frustrated and someone starts rewording everything I say back to me.
"I feel like you never listen to me!"
-You're feeling like I'm not listening to you but I want you to know that I am
"Why are you telling me what I just told you!?"
-you're wondering why I'm telling you back everything you've already said, I just want you to know I'm listening.
"I can gauge whether or not you're listening by your responses without you copying everything I say!"
-you think you can tell whether or not I'm listening by how I respond but I just want to be sure because I don't want you to think I'm not listening.
*murders person*
