the mirror
repeating key words to show understanding and encourage elaboration
the mirror in a sentence
“You felt blindsided? (They: Yes, completely blindsided...)”
Origin of the mirror
From reflecting back what was said
Related Words
the label
naming the other's emotion to validate and defuse it
the summary
condensing what's been said to confirm understanding
the pause
strategic silence that invites the other to fill the space
the open question
a question that can't be answered with yes or no
the graceful exit
ending a conversation without awkwardness
the pivot
redirecting conversation to a more favorable topic