Many of us are aware of the word paraphrasing. It is generally used by writing professionals. You can use paraphrases in writing to change the statement without changing its intended meaning. But do you know that we can also use this for effective communication? Effective communication is an essential part of both personal and professional life. Paraphrasing is one of the critical skills of communication. It is the art of restating another person’s statement without changing the original meaning of the sentence.
What is Paraphrasing?
Paraphrasing is not about repeating what someone has said; it is comprehending the underlying meaning and conveying it clearly. Paraphrasing is an effective form of verbal feedback used while listening, and it requires active listening, comprehension and articulation skills. This skill is crucial for many domains, including corporates, consultants, teaching, and daily conversation.
Benefits of Paraphrasing
- Prevents Miscommunication: Paraphrasing ensures listeners understand the speaker’s message correctly by providing an opportunity to clear any misunderstanding or ambiguities.
- Build Trust: Paraphrasing demonstrates active listening and respect for the speaker, fostering trust in the conversation.
- Increase Understanding: Paraphrasing improves overall understanding between people by clarifying the message and ensuring that both parties are on the same page.
Tips for Effective Paraphrasing
- Listen Actively: Listen to the speaker carefully without interrupting. Always listen to respond, not to reply.
- Understand the Core Message: Try to understand and grasp the essence of the message.
- Use Your Own Words: It is always the best method to express your thoughts and emotions in your own words. It maintains authenticity and makes it easy for you to express yourself and for others to understand you.
Conclusion
Paraphrasing is more than just a skill; it is an art form that lies at the heart of effective communication. By paraphrasing, you can improve your communication by conveying your message more effectively and clearly, as it will enhance your sentences.
