As a continuation of the post on Listening (22 April 2009), there are four basic ways to reply to your respondent's answers. Each will demonstrate that you're pro-actively listening to the respondent, and will also in turn, will increase the efficiency of your listening.
1. Paraphrase
Perhaps the easiest listening method, paraphrasing means re-stating an answer in different words without altering its meaning. It shows you’re listening, it shows the respondent that you’re thinking about what they say, and it ensures you understand their answer.
For example: “So what you’re saying is this: (repeat their answer but use different words or phrases).”
2. Itemized Response
This method helps you to clarify and simplify a respondent’s answer, particularly if their answer wasn’t clear or organized. You simply repeat or list the key points. For example: “Let me see if I understand. The problems you’ve outlined are (Point A), (Point B), and (Point C).”
This method allows you to repeat the respondent’s key points, and by doing so, you show you agree and want to expand your conversation to hypothetical or future considerations.
For example: “I agree with you that (Point X) and (Point Y) are the right steps to do. What do you think should happen then?”
4. Expanding
This method is similar to Open / Subjective Questions because you not only clarify the key points, but also ask them to provide their own professional or personal opinion.
For example: “You clearly believe that (Point A) and (Point B) need to happen very soon, but where and when do you think (Points X and Y) should be considered?”
