Listen and check understanding · D9.17

Check your understanding without imitating someone

You want to respond empathically to another person's account.

Everyday practice

Try these steps

1. Listen to the words or communication method they use.
2. Summarize your understanding and ask whether it is accurate.
3. Respond to their correction or preference rather than copying posture or assuming you can read emotion.

An example

It sounds as though the uncertainty was the hardest part. Is that right?

Reflect

What did their answer clarify?

Next time

Use explicit communication rather than a theory about mirror neurons to judge understanding.