What listening technique involves mirroring and repeating what someone says?

The technique that involves mirroring and repeating what someone says is reflective listening. This method requires the listener to actively engage with the speaker's words by paraphrasing or summarizing what has been said. This not only helps to ensure understanding but also communicates to the speaker that their thoughts and feelings are being acknowledged and validated. Reflective listening fosters a supportive environment where open communication can thrive, allowing the speaker to feel heard and encouraged to elaborate on their emotions or thoughts.

In contrast, active listening encompasses a broader range of behaviors, focusing on fully comprehending the message, including paying attention and providing feedback, but it does not specifically emphasize the repetition or mirroring of the speaker's words. Empathetic listening goes a step further, involving an emotional connection and understanding, but again, it may not necessarily require the mirroring technique. Critical listening entails evaluating and analyzing the message for argument or reasoning, which is not aligned with the reflective practice of repeating and mirroring the speaker’s statements.