What core communication skill allows an individual to most effectively confirm their understanding of another's perspective?

The core communication skill that allows an individual to most effectively confirm their understanding of another's perspective is paraphrasing. Paraphrasing involves restating the other person's message in your own words to demonstrate that you have heard and comprehended their point of view. This is more than just repeating what they said; it requires actively processing the information and conveying it in a way that shows your understanding. For example, after a colleague expresses frustration about a project delay, you might say, 'So, it sounds like you're feeling stressed because the delay is impacting your other priorities and you're concerned about meeting your overall goals.' By offering this paraphrase, you provide an opportunity for the colleague to confirm or correct your understanding, ensuring clear communication and preventing misunderstandings.