What is paraphrasing and why is it used?

• A. Restating the speaker's meaning in your own words to confirm understanding and alignment
• B. Repeating exactly what was said
• C. Asking clarifying questions
• D. Ending the conversation

Answer: (A)

Paraphrasing is restating the speaker's meaning in your own words to verify you understood them correctly and that your interpretation matches their intent. It demonstrates active listening, helps catch misunderstandings, and invites the speaker to confirm or correct details, keeping the conversation aligned. If you simply repeat the exact words, you’re not showing you’ve processed the message; paraphrasing shows you’ve grasped the meaning. Asking clarifying questions is a related skill for gathering more specifics, while ending the conversation isn’t about ensuring understanding.