Which active listening technique involves rephrasing the speaker's message?

Paraphrasing is an active listening technique that focuses on rephrasing the speaker's message to demonstrate understanding and clarification. When you paraphrase, you restate what the speaker has said in your own words, which not only shows that you are engaged and paying attention but also helps to confirm that you have accurately understood their message. This technique allows for any potential misinterpretations to be identified and corrected, fostering a more effective communication process.

In contrast, summarizing involves condensing the main points of a conversation or message rather than rephrasing specific details. Labeling emotions refers to identifying and articulating the feelings being expressed by the speaker, which is a different form of engagement. Mirroring involves repeating back the exact words or phrases used by the speaker, instead of rephrasing them, and focuses more on the speaker's body language and tone rather than the content of the message. Each of these techniques serves a unique purpose in communication, but paraphrasing specifically targets the act of restating the speaker's ideas for clarity and understanding.