Reflective Listening

Reflective listening is a type of active listening where the listener seeks to understand and ‘Reflect’ what the speaker is saying by repeating or paraphrasing what was said. Reflection has to be accurate either in verbal or non-verbal cues. The reflective listening captures and empathize the speaker and also benefits to bind a rapport with the receiver. The key to reflective listening is the ability to listen in a non‑judgmental way - to listen for understanding and not for agreement.

Payoffs of Reflective Listening

Reflective listening unfolds the mind for gaining knowledge, it also integrates, invents and create new ideas. The work will be efficient with the cooperation of the team members or co-workers. It also prevents trouble between the team, reduces tension, helps to win friends and resolves conflicts.

Common Mistakes in Reflective Listening

Parroting - The mindless repetition of the words will irritate the person and also sometimes wind up the relationship. Bad timing to listen and analyzing what the speaker is trying to say, not listening without empathy, day dreaming, judging a statement to be "crazy," "boring," "stupid," "immature," "hostile," etc., before it is completed and busily drafting your solution long before the talker has finished.

The reflective listening benefits in better understanding a person, so pay attention to the speaker and show that you are listening, use your body language and gesture to convey your attention, filter the points and provide feedback.