Paraphrasing

Goals

1. Describe paraphrasing.
2. Skillfully paraphrase.
3. Get rewarded for using this skill.

What

• Paraphrasing is the act of restating another person’s message in your own words.
• The purpose is to understand both the ideas and the emotions behind the message.
• Paraphrasing signals to the speaker that you care about what they are saying and want to understand them accurately.
• Effective paraphrasing blends clarity, accuracy, and empathy.

Why

1. Ensure you have accurately picked up the speaker’s message.
2. Help the speaker feel heard, valued, and understood.
3. Build trust and strengthen relationships over time.
4. Reduce misunderstandings and prevent avoidable conflict.
5. Support deeper conversations, problem-solving, and learning.

How

1. Listen actively:
   • stay present and attentive
     
   • notice both ideas and emotions
     
   • avoid preparing your response while the speaker talks
     
2. When the speaker pauses, give your paraphrase:
   • restate the message in your own words
     
   • aim for clarity, accuracy, and empathy
     
3. Check your understanding by asking questions such as:
   • Am I picking this up?
     
   • Am I understanding you right?
     
   • Have I captured how you feel?
     
   • Is there anything important I’m missing?

Key Facts

• Paraphrasing is not repeating the speaker’s words back to them.
  • Echoing the message word-for-word does not demonstrate understanding.
• Paraphrasing reframes the message to show:
  • comprehension of ideas
    
  • awareness of emotional content
    
  • willingness to engage with care and accuracy
    
• Paraphrasing is a foundational communication skill that supports learning, conflict resolution, collaboration, and relationship building.