What communication technique involves restating someone else's meaning in your own words?

Paraphrasing is a communication technique where the listener restates what someone else has said, but in their own words. This approach not only shows that the listener has been actively engaged in the conversation but also helps to ensure that they have accurately understood the speaker’s intentions and meanings. By putting the speaker's words into different terms, the listener demonstrates comprehension and provides an opportunity for the speaker to confirm or clarify their message.

Summarizing, while related, involves condensing the main ideas of a discussion rather than simply rephrasing a specific point. Reflective listening includes emotional responses and validations, focusing on the feelings behind the words rather than only their content. Clarifying seeks to eliminate confusion or misunderstandings by asking for more information or elaborating on specific points. Each of these serves a distinct purpose in communication, but paraphrasing specifically emphasizes the restatement of meaning in one's own language.