How can you check for understanding and clarify any confusion when listening to your clients?

1 Use paraphrasing

One of the simplest and most effective ways to check for understanding and clarify any confusion is to paraphrase what your client has said. Paraphrasing means restating the main points or the essence of what your client has said in your own words. This shows that you are paying attention, that you care about what they are saying, and that you want to make sure you got it right. It also gives your client a chance to confirm, correct, or expand on what they have said.

2 Ask open-ended questions

Another way to check for understanding and clarify any confusion is to ask open-ended questions that invite your client to share more details, feelings, or perspectives. Open-ended questions are questions that cannot be answered with a simple yes or no, but require more explanation or elaboration. For example, you can ask: "How did that make you feel?", "What did you learn from that experience?", or "What are some possible solutions for this challenge?". Open-ended questions help you to explore your client's thoughts and feelings more deeply, to uncover hidden assumptions or beliefs, and to stimulate their creativity and problem-solving skills.

3 Use reflective statements

A third way to check for understanding and clarify any confusion is to use reflective statements that mirror back what your client has said or implied, with an emphasis on their emotions or motivations. Reflective statements are not questions, but statements that express empathy, validation, or curiosity. For example, you can say: "You seem really frustrated by this situation.", "You are proud of your achievements.", or "You are curious about this new opportunity.". Reflective statements help you to build rapport, to acknowledge your client's feelings and values, and to encourage them to explore their own insights and solutions.

4 Use summarizing

A fourth way to check for understanding and clarify any confusion is to use summarizing, which is similar to paraphrasing, but covers a longer or more complex segment of the conversation. Summarizing means condensing the main points or themes of what your client has said into a brief overview or recap. This helps you to organize and review the information, to highlight the key takeaways or goals, and to prepare for the next steps or actions. It also helps your client to see their progress, to confirm their priorities, or to identify any gaps or inconsistencies.

5 Use feedback

A fifth way to check for understanding and clarify any confusion is to use feedback, which is a two-way exchange of information and opinions between you and your client. Feedback can be positive or constructive, but it should always be specific, relevant, and respectful. Feedback helps you to share your observations, impressions, or suggestions with your client, and to invite their input, feedback, or questions as well. It also helps you to establish trust, to reinforce strengths, to address challenges, and to enhance learning and growth.