In active listening, what is the process called when you restate what you heard to ensure accuracy?

• A. Paraphrasing
• B. Clarifying
• C. Summarizing
• D. Reflecting

Answer: (B)

Clarifying is the step in active listening where you restate what you heard to confirm you understood it correctly. By restating and often asking for confirmation, you invite the speaker to correct any misinterpretations, which helps prevent misunderstandings. For example, you might say, “Just to confirm, you’d like to postpone the meeting until Wednesday?” This shows you’re actively checking your understanding rather than just repeating words. Paraphrasing is restating the message in your own words to show comprehension, but clarifying specifically centers on verifying accuracy and asking for clarification. Summarizing gives a brief overview of the main points, while reflecting focuses on the speaker’s feelings.