Which practice demonstrates reflective listening by restating the speaker's meaning in your own words?

• A. Repeating
• B. Responding
• C. Questioning
• D. Paraphrasing

Answer: (D)

Paraphrasing shows reflective listening by restating the speaker's meaning in your own words. It confirms you understood their message, helps clarify any misinterpretations, and encourages the speaker to expand or confirm what they mean. For example, if someone says, “I'm overwhelmed with this project,” you respond, “You’re feeling overwhelmed by the workload.” That restatement captures the core idea and demonstrates you’re really listening. Repeating can be just echoing exact words without showing you grasp the intent; responding is a broader term that may not restate meaning, and questioning focuses on seeking more information rather than reflecting back the speaker’s message.