Paraphrasing enables the listener to clarify the speaker’s meaning and it conveys interest in what the speaker is saying and helps create a supportive environment for the conversation. "I'm having a hard time communicating with Bill and I don't know what's going on." "It sounds like you're frustrated that you and Bill aren't getting along."
In this example, the paraphrase allows us to find out that the speaker is concerned that Bill is avoiding him. While this is not what he said initially, the paraphrase revealed what his real meaning was. Alternately, the speaker could have responded by saying: "Yes, I'm concerned and not at all sure what to do about it."
In the paraphrase, use some of the words that the other person used. The paraphrase should be shorter than the original comments made by the other person. If the other person responds to your paraphrase that you still don’t understand him/her, then give the other person 1-2 chances to restate his position.
Effective communication is more than simply the transmission of information. The term requires an element of success in transmitting or imparting a message, whether information, ideas, or emotions and acknowledgement that the information has been received and understood.
Paraphrasing is powerful means to further the understanding of the other person and yourself, and can greatly increase the impact of another’s comments. It can translate comments so that even more people can understand them.
If the other person responds to your paraphrase that you still don’t understand him/her, then give the other person 1-2 chances to restate his position.
Two very useful skills in communicating with others, including when coaching and facilitating, are paraphrasing and summarizing the thoughts of others.
A good summary can verify that people are understanding each other, can make communications more efficient, and can ensure that the highlights of communications are captured and utilized.