Technique 1: Ask questions...Technique 1Ask questions...
... to expand on interesting things that have been said and to obtain further information.
... to signal interest to the other person.
... if there is a long pause in the other person's flow of speech, or if the other person falters.
Technique 2: Paraphrase...Technique 2Paraphrase...
... by repeating and summarizing completed explanations in your own words.
... if you are not sure whether you have understood everything correctly, or if you want to draw an interim conclusion.
... when complex contexts are described. It is better to avoid this in the case of simple contexts and comprehensible, clear descriptions.
Technique 3: Weigh up...Technique 3Weigh up...
... if ambivalent aspects occur in your counterpart's remarks.
... is about getting important information, and not trying to create a contradiction to prove a point.
... to find out what the other person attaches particular importance to. Weighing up does not automatically mean trying to create a contradiction, but finding out what is important to the other person.
Technique 4: Make affirming sounds and gestures...Technique 4Make affirming sounds and gestures...
... by nodding, maintaining direct eye contact, and vocalizing confirmations like "Okay" and "Ah yes".
... by using a relaxed voice pitch and avoiding hectic mumbling.
... strengthen the self-confidence of the counterpart.
Technique 5: Continue...Technique 5Continue...
... to deepen vague formulations.
... to helpfully concretize and specify topics introduced by the other person.
... without depriving the other person of the space for their thoughts.
Technique 6: Clarifying,...Technique 6Clarifying,...
... to make sure you have understood everything correctly.
... if something seems incomprehensible to you.
... after you have given your counterpart enough time to fully execute their thoughts.
