Практичне заняття 7

THE ART OF CONFIRMING PROPER UNDERSTANDING

Task 1. Read the list of responses. State which of them are appropriate. Explain your opinion.
1. Sounds good. 2. Yeah, I agree. 3. I’m sorry you feel that way. 4. Sounds like things didn’t go
well for you today. 5. You shouldn’t feel that way. 6. OK, go on. 7. You’re wrong. I’ll tell you how
it is. 8. There’s no need for that. 9. You’re out of line. 10. Well, you’re looking devastated. 11.
You’re totally wrong. 12. Who influenced you, then? 13. Oh, great. Could you tell me some details?
14. Let’s be rational about this, shall we? 15. Oh, every cloud has a silver lining. Common. 16. Aw,
you look puzzled. Will you spill the tea? I’m all ears. 17. I’m glad we’re talking about this. 18. It’s
not that bad. 19. Emaciated? Are you? No fooling! You have no reasons to feel that way. 20. Try
not to worry about it. 21. Hey.
Task 2. Choose and match the better alternatives to the questions and statements from the left column.
1) Why would you do that? a) I’m not following, could you explain, please.

2) You didn’t mean that, didn’t you? b) What motivated you?

3) That doesn’t make sense! c) What did you mean by that?

Task 3. Read the text below. Fill the gaps using the most appropriate option from the table.
After concluding the meaning of the speaker’s words, confirm that your (1) __________ of the
message is the same (2) ________ what the speaker intended to transmit. You can do this by
repeating parts of their message word (3) ________ word or paraphrasing it. You can introduce your
message with proper (4) ______ phrases. Paraphrasing helps you (5) ________ you understood what
the other person was trying to express. If you paraphrase incorrectly, or miss something they were
trying to communicate, they can clarify. Then, you can dig deeper into the conversation.
By paraphrasing and summarising – rather than adding any additional information – you’re also
demonstrating that your focus was on them. During the paraphrasing, avoid adding any comments or
opinions of your own, since the purpose of reflective listening is to focus (6) _______ the other
person and withhold your own judgement.
The speaker may likely have a response to your reflection. The response may confirm that you
correctly understood what they’re trying to say. Concurrently, they may offer a correction in (7)
_______ they explain their point further to help you better understand what they meant to say.

1. A communication B interpretation C transformation D explanation

2. A like B similar C as D identical

3. A by B to C on D for

4. A opening B open C opened D openers

5. A reassure B ensure C sure D certain

6. A at B in C for D on

7. A what B that C who D which

Task 4. Read the list of the opening phases for confirming correct understanding. Use them to respond to
the statements in the table.
● “To ensure I understand you correctly...”
 ● “My understanding is...”
● “To be clear, you’re saying...”
● “Am I correct that you’re concerned about that…”
● “To be clear, you’re saying that…”
● “Have I got that right? You…”
● “Please, correct me if I misunderstood, but you’re saying …”
● “If I understand correctly…”

1) “Could you help me with this email? I’m overstressed and I want to make
sure I get the tone right.”
2) “I’m incredibly sad. I think my parents don’t really care about me. They don’t
ask about what happens in my life, at university, at home, or with my
friends.”
3) “I’ve been really upset. I feel like I can’t talk to my partner about anything
lately without them getting angry and defensive, especially when I try to
share my feelings with them.”

Task 5. Read the statements below. State what part of a “reflective” dialogue it is. Complete your
version of the whole conversation around the statements given.

✔ On one hand, you act kindly, but your face looks angry.

✔ You say you want this assignment, but your voice sounds hesitant.

Task 6. We can confirm our understanding of what’s been said by the speaker by repeating a key word or
phrase with a rising tone. Read the example and follow it while making up the responses to the sentences
below.
Example: – That guy has cheated us.
– Cheated you?!
1. Mr James has insulted them.
2. Mrs Oris has complained about him.
3. The representatives have defrauded all of us.
4. Oli has been tricked into buying totally unnecessary stuff.
5. Carrol has confused me.

Task 7. Another way to confirm understanding is by using question tags. Read the example and follow it
while making up the responses to the sentences below.
Example: – I definitely want some changes.
– You want some changes, don’t you? / I understood that you wanted some changes, didn’t
you?
1. I’m not ready for the break-up.
2. I am being too suspicious.
3. He is such a trouble-maker, simply a menace.
4. I live in a marvellous place.

Task 8. Read the opening sentences. Make up the dialogues using all possible and necessary means
required for an effective reflective listening part of communication.
- You’ll never guess what! My application has been accepted and I’ve finally managed to rescue that
kitten I’ve dreamed of!
- I’ve had such a hard week, so many deadlines, God I feel like I need to sleep for a month.
- Haven’t you heard? Someone broke into my greenhouse and trashed the place.
- The research project I proposed was deemed valuable! I’m so ecstatic about getting this grant to fund
it.
- It’s been a week since my dog ran away while we were on a walk, I still haven’t found him.
- I was proposed to yesterday! I’m so happy he finally decided to take the plunge.
- My best friend and I finally found a flat after months of searching! The landlord seems nice too
which is great!
- I am so frustrated with my supervisor, I feel like I’m talking to a wall every time we have a meeting.