It’s called R.A.S.E
R = Respond to the content
A = Acknowledge the feelings of what is being said
S = Show your understanding
E = Encourage further information
Let me give you an example:
RESPOND TO THE CONTENT
This is another term for reflecting back what they have said in your own terms. By doing this it demonstrates your own understanding and if you know you have to do this it really makes you listen believe me!. This is also called “paraphrasing”. So, if the person says: “You can cut the atmosphere with a knife at work” You could reply with: “So, there are some serious going’s on then with people” This response shows the speaker that you have understood what they have said. Then…..
ACKNOWLEDGE THE FEELINGS
So you change your focus to acknowledge what the person must be feeling: “It sounds as though you are feeling uncomfortable about what is currently going on within your office” Then…
SHOW THAT YOU UNDERSTAND
Make your understanding real and legitimate even if you do not agree with them yourself. Remember, you are taking the speakers point of view into account and appreciate that.
“If I was in your situation I would feel uncomfortable too. I can see that you do not like this type of atmosphere in the air at work” Then…
ENCOURAGE FURTHER INFORMATION
The final step in RASE is to encourage further discussion by asking an open ended question. “So, tell me – what exactly is going on there?”
