"When we paraphrase, the tone of voice we use is highly important. **When hearing themselves reflected back, people are likely to be sensitive to the slightest hint of criticism or sarcasm**. They are likewise negatively affected by a declarative tone that implies that we are telling them what is going on inside of them. If we are consciously listening for other people’s feelings and needs, however, **our tone communicates that we’re asking whether we have understood—not claiming that we have understood**." --- **Tags** -- [[quotes]], [[interpersonal-skills]], [[communication-skills]], [[listening]], [[empathy]], [[crucial-conversations]], [[non-violent communication]] **Source** -- [[251115105628 - B - Nonviolent Communication]]