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The power of paraphrasing for good conversations

Writer's picture: Alice SheldonAlice Sheldon

Do you ever wish you knew how to have even more connecting conversations, especially if things are difficult? Or question how much you really understand of someone else’s world.


Please do watch this video tip to help with how to paraphrase for good conversations, or read the transcript below.


💭 Introduction: Do you ever question how much you are really understanding what other people are saying? Or find that you think you’ve got it, only to discover later that you were wide of the mark?


💭 Main Tip: Paraphrasing is a simple tool that can help you ensure you’ve really understood someone’s needs. By summarising what they’ve said in your own words, you invite clarity and connection.


💭 Example: For example, if a colleague says, “I’m overwhelmed with all these deadlines,” you could respond, “It sounds like you’re feeling stretched thin?” This gives them the chance to confirm – ‘Yes! That’s it!’ or to clarify… “Not quite—I’m more frustrated because the priorities aren’t clear,” or, “Actually, I feel like no one is respecting my time.”


💭 Over to you: This week, you could try paraphrasing at least once. Start with, “It sounds like…’ or ‘What I’m hearing is…” and a brief sentence of the essence of what you have heard.


💭 Closing: Paraphrasing builds trust, and it helps to surface the actual issue that might need some attention.

Comments


What people say
2024.02.29 Jonny.jpg

Needs Understanding is such a powerful and flexible tool.

It's helped me to find new ways forward in challenging situations, and to build even stronger relationships.

Jonathan Parr, Headteacher,

UK Junior School

©2024 by Needs Understanding

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