What does the act of reflection involve in communication?

The act of reflection in communication involves restating or paraphrasing what the speaker has communicated. This technique is crucial in ensuring effective communication as it demonstrates active listening and comprehension. By reflecting back what the speaker has said, the listener can clarify any potential misunderstandings and confirm that they have accurately interpreted the speaker's message. This process helps build rapport and shows respect for the speaker's thoughts and feelings, fostering a more productive dialogue.

In contrast, ignoring the speaker’s main points detracts from meaningful communication and can lead to conflict or confusion. Offering personal opinions unrelated to the speaker’s message does not engage with the communication but instead diverts the focus away from the speaker’s intent. Summarizing every detail of the conversation, while seemingly thorough, can overwhelm the listener and misses the essence of the reflective listening practice, which aims to capture the speaker's key ideas and emotions rather than bogging down the interaction with excessive detail. Therefore, restating or paraphrasing aligns most closely with the goal of effective reflective communication.