Which phrase demonstrates effective active listening?

Which phrase demonstrates effective active listening?

• A. What I Hear You Saying Is...
• B. Can You Repeat That?
• C. That's Not My Job
• D. I Disagree With You

Answer: (A)

Active listening is about showing you truly understand what the speaker is saying by restating it in your own words and checking that you got it right. The phrase “What I hear you saying is…” does exactly that: it paraphrases the message, confirms accuracy, and invites the speaker to correct any misunderstanding. This keeps the conversation collaborative and helps prevent miscommunication. The other options don’t demonstrate that same level of engagement: asking for a repeat can indicate confusion but doesn’t confirm understanding; saying “That’s not my job” shuts down the exchange; and “I disagree with you” moves away from listening to defending your own view.

Active listening is about showing you truly understand what the speaker is saying by restating it in your own words and checking that you got it right. The phrase “What I hear you saying is…” does exactly that: it paraphrases the message, confirms accuracy, and invites the speaker to correct any misunderstanding. This keeps the conversation collaborative and helps prevent miscommunication. The other options don’t demonstrate that same level of engagement: asking for a repeat can indicate confusion but doesn’t confirm understanding; saying “That’s not my job” shuts down the exchange; and “I disagree with you” moves away from listening to defending your own view.