What is the purpose of reflective listening?

Reflective listening is a communication technique that emphasizes understanding and validating the speaker's feelings and perspectives. The primary purpose of this technique is to ensure that the listener accurately comprehends the message being conveyed by the speaker. This is achieved by mirroring back what has been said, either through paraphrasing or summarizing, to confirm that the listener has grasped the essence of the communication. Reflective listening fosters an environment of empathy, support, and open dialogue, ultimately leading to more effective interpersonal communication.

In contrast, the other options focus on goals that do not align with the essence of reflective listening. Dominating a conversation suggests a one-sided approach where the listener does not engage with the speaker's perspective. Preparing for a rebuttal introduces a confrontational aspect that can disrupt understanding and connection. Collecting personal data implies a more transactional and less empathetic interaction that does not prioritize the speaker's emotions or intentions. Thus, the focus of reflective listening is distinctly on mutual understanding rather than these other approaches.