One rule for the speaker in the Speaker-Listener Technique is to ...

One rule for the speaker in the Speaker-Listener Technique is to ...

• A. Try to solve the problem while you have the floor
• B. Be sure to make your turn long enough so that all the problems are on the table
• C. Stop and let the listener paraphrase what you've just said
• D. Talk about your perceptions of your listener's motives or point of view

Answer: (C)

One key rule for the speaker is to pause and let the listener paraphrase what you’ve just said. This step ensures your message is understood as you intend and helps prevent misinterpretations. Paraphrasing gives you a check on whether the listener heard your feelings and experiences accurately, which keeps the conversation grounded in your perspective without shifting into blame or trying to solve the issue right away. It also reinforces clear communication: you express your own thoughts and feelings, the listener reflects back what they heard, and then you can clarify if needed before switching roles. Other approaches don’t fit this technique because solving the problem during your turn or making your segment long can overwhelm the listener and derail the aim of clear, empathic communication. Focusing on the listener’s motives moves into blame, which the method avoids by keeping the exchange centered on personal experience and mutual understanding.

One key rule for the speaker is to pause and let the listener paraphrase what you’ve just said. This step ensures your message is understood as you intend and helps prevent misinterpretations. Paraphrasing gives you a check on whether the listener heard your feelings and experiences accurately, which keeps the conversation grounded in your perspective without shifting into blame or trying to solve the issue right away. It also reinforces clear communication: you express your own thoughts and feelings, the listener reflects back what they heard, and then you can clarify if needed before switching roles.

Other approaches don’t fit this technique because solving the problem during your turn or making your segment long can overwhelm the listener and derail the aim of clear, empathic communication. Focusing on the listener’s motives moves into blame, which the method avoids by keeping the exchange centered on personal experience and mutual understanding.