What therapeutic communication technique encourages a speaker to keep talking about a subject?

• A. General Lead
• B. Active Listening
• C. Empathetic Reflection
• D. Summarizing

Answer: (A)

Encouraging a speaker to keep talking about a subject is best done with a general lead. This technique uses open-ended prompts that invite more information and continuation of the topic, such as “Please go on,” “Tell me more about that,” or “And then what happened?” These prompts signal that you’re listening and genuinely want the speaker to elaborate, helping the conversation stay focused on the subject and flow naturally.

Active listening centers on giving full attention and uses brief acknowledgments, not necessarily prompting further detail about the same topic. Empathetic reflection mirrors feelings to validate the speaker, rather than continuing the narrative. Summarizing restates main points and often signals a shift or wrap-up, rather than inviting extended discussion of the same subject.