what does paraphrasing entail in public speaking

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Matt Abrahams: The Power of the Paraphrase

An expert on public speaking shows how paraphrasing can help you navigate tricky communication situations.

November 19, 2014

A job seeker raises his hand to ask a question | Reuters/Rick Wilking

When you are giving a public presentation, don’t you hate it when you face … the dreaded question. You know the one: the emotionally loaded challenge that serves to undermine everything you presented prior. You had hoped you wouldn’t get it, but here it is. Or, you may face … the obnoxious meeting participant. You know this guy: He thinks he’s Mr. Smarty-Pants and wants everyone to know it. He ruins your meeting by going on long rants that contribute little and waste much.

These two situations can make even the most confident and calm speaker nervous. One powerful way to navigate your way through these two tricky communication situations is to rely on paraphrasing. Paraphrasing is a listening and reflecting tool where you restate what others say in your own words. The most effective paraphrases concisely capture the essence of what another speaker says. For example, at the end of your presentation a questioner asks: “In the past you have been slow to release new products. How soon will your new product be available?” You might paraphrase her question in one of the following ways:

• “You’re asking about our availability.”
• “You’d like to know about our release schedule.”
• “Our release timeline will be … ”

Effective paraphrasing affords you several benefits. In Q&A sessions, for instance, it allows you to:

Make sure you understood the question correctly. After your paraphrase, the question asker has the opportunity to correct you or refine his or her question. There is no sense in answering a question you were not asked.

Think before you respond. Paraphrasing is not very mentally taxing, so while you are speaking your paraphrase you can begin to think of your response.

Acknowledge emotions prior to addressing the issue(s). Occasionally, you may find yourself confronted with an emotionally laden question. In order to be seen as empathetic, and to get the asker to “hear” your answer, you should recognize the emotion as part of your paraphrase. To a questioner who asks, “I get really exasperated when I try to use some of your features. How are you going to make it easier to use your product?” you might say: “I hear that you have emotion around the complexity of our offering.” By acknowledging the emotion, you can more easily move beyond it to address the issue at hand. Please note that you should avoid labeling the emotion, even if the asker does. If someone seems angry, it is better to use terms such as “strong emotion,” “clear concern,” and “passion.” I have seen a number of speakers get into a labeling battle with an audience member when the speaker names a specific emotion that the asker took offense to (e.g., saying an audience member seems frustrated when he is actually angry).

Reframe the question to focus on something you feel more comfortable addressing. I am not recommending pulling a politician’s trick and pivoting to answer the question you wanted rather than the one you got. Instead, by paraphrasing, you can make the question more comfortable for you to answer. The most striking example I have come across was in a sales situation where a prospect asked the presenter: “How come your prices are ridiculously expensive?” Clearly, the paraphrase “So you’re asking about our ridiculous pricing” is not the way to go. Rather, you can reframe the issue in your paraphrase to be about a topic you are better prepared to address. For example, “So you’d like to know about our product’s value.” Price is clearly part of value, but you start by describing the value and return on investment, which will likely soften the blow of the price.

Using paraphrases can also help you in facilitation situations, such as a meeting. In meetings, paraphrasing allows you to:

Acknowledge the participant’s effort. For many people, contributing in meetings can be daunting. There are real consequences for misspeaking or sounding unprepared. By paraphrasing the contributions you get from others, you validate the person’s effort by signaling that you really listened and valued their input.

Link various questions/ideas. You can pull together disparate contributions and questions and engage different participants by relating a current statement to previous ones. For example, you might say: “Your comment about our profitability links to the question a few minutes ago about our financial outlook.”

Manage over-contributors. Someone who over-shares or dominates a meeting with his or her opinions can be very disruptive and disrespectful. If it is your meeting, then the other participants will expect you to manage the situation. If you don’t, you will lose control and potentially credibility. Paraphrasing can help you move beyond the over-contributor while looking tactful. Fortunately, even the most loquacious person needs to inhale once in a while. During a pause, simply paraphrase a meaningful portion of the person’s diatribe and place focus elsewhere — to another person or topic. For example, you might say, “Forrest’s point about manufacturing delays is a good one. Laurie, what do you think?” Or, “Forrest’s point about manufacturing delays is a good one. What other issues are affecting our release schedule?” In both cases, you have politely informed Forrest that he is done, and you’ve turned the focus away from him and back to your agenda.

Beginning a paraphrase can sometimes be tricky, and people often ask me for suggestions for ways to initiate their paraphrases. Try one of the following lines to help you start your paraphrase:

• “So what you are saying/asking is … ”
• “What is important to you is … ”
• “You’d like to know more about … ”
• “The central idea of your question/comment is … ”

Paraphrasing has the power to help you connect with your audience, manage emotions, and steer the conversation. And once you begin to use the technique, you will realize it has the power to help you not only in presentations and meetings, but in virtually any interpersonal conversation.

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Module 2: Ethical Speech

Quoting and paraphrasing, learning objectives.

Explain how to paraphrase and summarize effectively in public speaking.

For instance, when President Ronald Reagan gave his famous 1987 speech at the Berlin Wall, he said, “in 1947 Secretary of State George Marshall announced the creation of what would become known as the Marshall Plan. Speaking precisely forty years ago this month, he said: ‘Our policy is directed not against any country or doctrine, but against hunger, poverty, desperation, and chaos.'” The quotation marks aren’t acknowledged out loud, but they are in the manuscript.  [1]

Ethically, it is important not to use quotations out of context. If a politician says, “My critics say I’m a liar and a crook,” it would be misleading and unethical to quote the politician as saying, “I’m a liar and a crook.”

Paraphrasing and Summarizing

Unless a quote is short, simple, and memorable, or unless the exact wording of the quote is important, you might want to use a paraphrase or a summary . Paraphrasing and summarizing are similar. When we paraphrase, we process information or ideas from another person’s text and put it in our own words.

Paraphrasing is often a better choice than using a direct quote in spoken presentations because it allows you to simplify written language and quickly explain specific terms. If the original text refers to an idea or term discussed earlier in the text, your paraphrase may also need to explain or define that idea. You may also need to interpret specific terms made by the writer in the original text.

As with quotations, your paraphrase should be true to the original intention of the passage you’re paraphrasing. Be careful not to add information or commentary that isn’t part of the original passage in the midst of your paraphrase. You don’t want to add to or take away from the meaning of the passage you are paraphrasing. Save your comments and analysis until after you have finished your paraphrase.

The main difference between paraphrase and summary is scope: if summarizing means rewording and condensing, then paraphrasing means rewording without drastically altering length. However, paraphrasing is also generally more faithful to the spirit of the original; whereas a summary requires you to process and invites you to form your own perspective, a paraphrase ought to mirror back the original idea using your own language.

Remember that both paraphrase and summary require citations. Even when you use someone else’s ideas but put those ideas into your own words, you still need to acknowledge the source!

In this speech, public radio host Celeste Headlee explains what she’s learned about being a good conversationalist.

You can view the transcript for “How to Have a Good Conversation | Celeste Headlee | TEDxCreativeCoast” here (opens in new window) .

What to watch for:

In this speech, Headlee uses a number of quotations, citations, and paraphrases. Note how she uses these different forms and how she cites the sources verbally. When she quotes directly from an article by Paul Barnwell, she conspicuously reads from her notecard, to show that the sentence should be understood as a word-for-word quotation. In other places, though, she summarizes large research reports or paraphrases ideas from other experts.

• https://www.reaganfoundation.org/media/51328/berlin.pdf ↵
• OWL at Excelsior College: Paraphrasing, adapted by Lumen Learning. Authored by : Excelsior College. Located at : https://courses.lumenlearning.com/englishcomp1/chapter/paraphrase-and-summary/ . License : CC BY: Attribution
• The Plagiarism. Authored by : Alexey Druzhinin. Located at : https://flic.kr/p/zPsEUB . License : CC BY: Attribution
• How to Have a Good Conversation | Celeste Headlee | TEDxCreativeCoast. Provided by : TEDx Talks. Located at : https://youtu.be/H6n3iNh4XLI . License : Other . License Terms : Standard YouTube License

Public Speaking Informative/Persuasive Speech: Paraphrasing

• Database Resources
• Outlines: How To

Paraphrasing

• A Note on Plagiarism

Paraphrasing and Summaring - Curtin University

• Curtin University - Paraphrasing & Summarizing This is the site Mrs. Robinson wants you to complete. This website tutorial will provide information on how to paraphrase and summarize information.
• Utah State Plagiarism and Siummarizing Tutorials Practice paraphrase and summarizing

Paraphrasing, Quoting, and Summarizing

When borrowing from the works of other writers as you research, what is most important is that you give credit to the writers whose works you are using in your paper or project. To do this writers use three strategies - quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing - to blend source materials with their own, while making sure their own voice is heard. 

1. QUOTATIONS  are the exact words of an author, copied directly from the source word for word. Quotations must be cited!

 Use quotations when:

• You want to add the power of an author's words to support your argument
• You want to disagree with an author's argument
• You want to highlight particularly eloquent or powerful phrases or passages
• You are comparing and contrasting specific points of view
• You want to note the important research that precedes your own

2. PARAPHRASING  means rephrasing the words of an author, putting his or her thoughts in your own words. A paraphrase can be viewed as a "translation" of the original source. When you paraphrase, you rework the source's ideas, words, phrases, and sentence structures with your own. Paraphrasing text is often, but not always, slightly shorter than the original work. Like quotations, paraphrased material must be followed with in-text documentation and cited on the Works Cited page.

Paraphrase when:

• You plan to use information on your note cards and wish to avoid plagiarizing
• You want to avoid overused quotations
• You want to use your own voice to present information

3.  SUMMARIZING  involves putting the main idea(s) of one or several writers into your own words, including only the main point(s). Once again, it is necessary to attribute summarized ideas to the original source. Summaries are significantly shorter than the original and take a broad overview of the source material.

Summarize when:

• You want to establish background or offer an overview of a topic
• You want to describe common knowledge (from several sources) about a topic
• You want to determine the main ideas of a single source  
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• Last Updated: Jan 4, 2021 10:37 AM
• URL: https://macduffie.libguides.com/c.php?g=986618

The Power of Communication: The Principle of Paraphrasing

This lesson is a part of an audio course the power of communication: learning to communicate effectively by hans fleurimont.

Let's talk about paraphrasing and why in my view it is a very important principle to know and to understand. A paraphrase is an accurate response to the person who’s speaking, which states the essence of the speaker’s words in the listener’s own words. To put it another way to paraphrase is to express the meaning of something written or spoken using different words in order to achieve greater clarity. (And that what I just did was an example of paraphrasing).

So if I’m talking to someone and they’re explaining something to me, what I would do is paraphrase what they just said but in my own words. For example, let’s say that my wife is talking about her day and what she did at work and she is explaining the process of doing someone's taxes to me. So she says:

“One of my clients got all upset because they didn’t receive the whole amount they expected from their tax return and they threw a fit in the office.”

And then I would say “So they got mad because it was less than what they thought.” It’s as simple as that. You can paraphrase what someone says to you and you can also paraphrase something you said (Like how I did earlier). So now let’s talk about what goes into paraphrasing.

The Essential Elements of Paraphrasing Are:

• Condensed. A good paraphrase is accurate. When people begin using this technique, they tend to be too wordy. A paraphrase should be shorter than the speaker’s statement.
• Only the essentials. An effective paraphrase reflects only the essentials of the speaker’s message. It cuts through the clutter of details and focuses on what is central in the original message.
• Focus on the Information. Another Characteristic of a paraphrase is that it focuses on the content of the message. It deals with the facts or ideas rather than the emotions the sender is expressing. Even though a firm distinction between facts and feelings is artificial, paraphrasing focuses on the content of the message.
• Stated in the listener’s own words. The listener summarizes their understanding of what they heard in their own words. Repeating the speaker’s exact words (which is parroting) usually stifles or dry’s up a conversation, while paraphrasing, when used appropriately, can contribute greatly to the communication between people.

Example of Paraphrasing

Here is another example of paraphrasing:

Person A says “I want to bring you up to speed on a particular project. I talked with Claire, and she has been meeting with people at the state level for weeks about the funding. Things sound really up in the air. We should proceed with caution until we know more.”

One way we can paraphrase this statement is by saying “So the whole project is dependent on whether or not state funding goes through.”

This is just a quick example but there are many ways you can use paraphrases.

Always remember paraphrasing is very useful because it shows the person or people we are talking to that we are actively listening to them and that we understand what they are communicating with us. It is also helpful when you are teaching or giving instructions to a group of people. To paraphrase, it's a great principle to use when communicating. Believe me, the ability to paraphrase helps a whole lot especially in meetings with important people in your career and life.

Hans Fleurimont

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The Power of Communication: Learning to Communicate Effectively

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Persuasion Science Masterclass

Handling Difficult People

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4 Key Steps for Paraphrasing a Speech

Table of Contents

Are you looking to paraphrase a speech? You’re in luck. This article explores the vital steps for the entire process. Let’s begin with a quick introduction.

What Is Paraphrasing?

Paraphrasing is taking someone else’s work and rewriting it in your own words for a different audience without changing the meaning. It is an important tool for finding your voice and continuing to develop as a speaker.

It’s about summarizing a speech and taking the ideas and themes that come across to people when they hear it. It’s about reselling those same lines with your own twist. When paraphrasing, the goal is to take what the speaker had to say and resonate with the audience instead of regurgitating their ideas.

However, when quoting the exact words of someone in a passage or article, make sure you cite the source material properly in your writing.

When Should You Paraphrase a Speech?

If you find yourself struggling to say a specific sentence or idea, it might be time to paraphrase and restate it. Paraphrasing allows you to avoid and eliminate awkward pauses and stutters when you speak. And it also allows you to ensure that you are getting your point across and everyone else understands it.

What to Consider When Paraphrasing a Speech?

When paraphrasing, it’s good to focus on summarizing the individual sentences and use your own language and sentence structure . You should also consider what you want to say about the specific objects in the speech in addition to the main ideas.

If you are primarily focusing on the main ideas, you should consider what object you should use to help you summarize them. Combine these two considerations to build your unique summary that is easy to understand and follow.

Difference Between Paraphrased Speech and Text

A paraphrase is a simplified version of the text, which is a speech. You may paraphrase the speech so that you remember key differences and help you interact with speakers easily.

There are some slight differences between paraphrasing a text and a speech. Paraphrasing a text consists of only one paragraph, while a speech contains two or three.

Paraphrasing a text includes informational bullet points and paragraph divisions, while a speech does not.

Four Steps for Paraphrasing a Speech

Paraphrasing a speech is an integral step in the speech writing process. If a speaker’s story resonates with you, you’ll want to seek out the exact words they mention and convey them well. But you must ensure that you stay beyond the scope of plagiarism and create an impactful paraphrased speech in four simple steps.

1. Read and Make Notes

The first step is to read the speech you want to paraphrase. Read at a fluent level. Scan for content and context, and understand the broader story. Then take careful notes and write down any questions or concerns that arise. Do not worry about paraphrasing yet; instead, focus on capturing the meaning of the speech and the specific points you want to emphasize.

2. Find Different Terms

Look for terms and phrases related to the text but different from what the speaker used. Use appropriate synonyms for the words you want to replace in the text. It’s vital to preserve the meaning of the original text in your writing, especially when replacing scientific terms.

3. Put the Text Into Your Own Words

Rephrase the source text in your own words. Try simplifying the sentence structure, improving grammar and vocabulary, word order, and replacing passive expressions. Also, break complex sentences into simpler ones to make your writing more understandable to the audience.

4. Check Your Work

Ensure the thoughts are understandable and the language is appropriate. Compare your work to the original to ensure accuracy. Paraphrasing should be straightforward, and it should be stated in your own words . It may be shorter, but it must have all the important information.

Remember that paraphrasing a speech does not mean taking the actual text of a speech and replacing words with one’s own.

It means paying attention to the main points of a speech, understanding them, watching how they unfold, and structuring your words around that. Put in the work, know the purpose, and paraphrase accordingly.

Pam is an expert grammarian with years of experience teaching English, writing and ESL Grammar courses at the university level. She is enamored with all things language and fascinated with how we use words to shape our world.

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What Is Paraphrasing and Why Do We Do It?

To put it simply: paraphrasing condenses information or the main points taken from another source and expresses or interprets it in your own words and writing style. Learning the art of paraphrasing involves comprehending, synthesizing, and conveying information in an original format. This technique is often used in college coursework such as research papers where plagiarism is strictly prohibited, and direct quotations should be kept to a minimum.

Paraphrasing is a valuable technique that you can use in many forms of writing and speaking, such as presentations, speeches, blogs, articles, and any other forms of communication where original ideas are shared. In today’s world, there are even paraphrasing tools such as Quillbot AI and Paraphraser.io leveraging technology and AI to help writers paraphrase while avoiding plagiarism.

Read on to learn all about what paraphrasing is, why it’s important and how to put this valuable rewording technique to use. 

Fast Facts About Paraphrasing

• Paraphrasing is a valuable skill for speaking and writing original content in your own words.
• When paraphrasing, it is important to keep the facts and express the original idea without copying the original content. 
• A common goal of paraphrasing is to distill information concisely, creating more clarity, relevance, and/or impact for the receiver of information.

Are Paraphrasing and Plagiarism the Same?

There is a distinct difference between paraphrasing and plagiarism, and a lot of it is based on intention. If the paraphrased wording or sentence structure looks too close to the original passage, then one will assume that the writer is passing it off as their own work.

Unfortunately, intentionally plagiarizing can lead to failing a class, job loss, and even a damaged reputation or career.

A direct quotation is typically permitted if a text citation acknowledges the source. APA in-text citation style guidelines use the author's last name and year of publication when you refer to, paraphrase, summarize or use quotation marks for information from the direct source material.  

Plagiarism is considered intellectual theft and is strictly prohibited in academia and for legal reasons. Copyright is a set of exclusive rights given to a creator of original works. Plagiarism often violates these rights by copying and distributing the work. Copyright infringement can still occur even if the original author is acknowledged.

One instance where plagiarism doesn’t apply is related to commonly known facts such as basic information or historical dates. For example, you would not need to cite the encyclopedia if you wrote that “The United States officially adopted the Constitution in 1788” or that “There are eight planets in the solar system, nine if you count Pluto.”

How To Use Paraphrasing in Your Own Writing

Paraphrasing is a technique used to combat plagiarism, keeping original ideas intact but rephrasing information in your own words and original perspectives. Effective paraphrasing involves reading or listening to the original content until you fully understand it and taking notes on the main points. 

Next, you write down your version of the core concepts without looking at the original passage. Then, make sure that you restate it in a way that the original author has implied and not how you want them to imply it. Lastly, compare and edit your work to ensure it doesn’t resemble the original, and cite your sources when necessary. 

Other strategies to keep in mind when paraphrasing are changing the sentence structure or form, using synonyms, changing active to passive voice, changing clauses to phrases, and starting the sentence or paragraph differently from the original content.

 Suppose you don’t think you can accurately paraphrase a passage concisely. Instead, you can directly quote exact words from the original author and identify the original source of the material with their name or text citation to avoid plagiarizing, as explained previously.

Does Paraphrasing Improve Your Communication Skills?

Practicing paraphrasing as a skill can drastically improve your communication and writing skills since it involves the mental practice of active listening , learning new information or ideas, reflecting upon them, and pulling out the key concepts in your own words.

The process of paraphrasing enables you to truly learn a subject before you can confidently write or communicate that idea . Paraphrasing is a powerful way to further understand a subject or idea for both the writer and reader or speaker and listener.

Active listening and understanding are key components of efficient communication. Using this skill alleviates misunderstandings and prevents conflict.

What Are Some Examples of Paraphrasing?

In daily life, an example situation involving paraphrasing could look like sitting down at your favorite restaurant and ordering from the menu. You tell the server each item you’d like to order. They repeat it back to you for confirmation. If they misunderstand anything you said, you would interject to correct them. 

They will usually repeat it back a second time to ensure they have the correct order. They may not use the exact words you used but provide a restatement of your order. This process confirms the chef prepares the correct meals for you.

Other paraphrasing examples in writing include:

• Original: He has many old clothes and furniture to donate or throw away.
• Paraphrase: He needs to get rid of a lot of junk.
• Original: Polar bears are nearly undetectable by infrared cameras. Thermal cameras detect the heat lost by a subject as infrared, but polar bears are experts at conserving heat.
• Paraphrase: Because thermal cameras detect infrared heat given off by a subject, polar bears are undetectable due to their unique heat conservation abilities.
• Original: Although most people learn from experienced sailors, it's possible to teach yourself in a controlled environment. The biggest concern when teaching yourself to sail is safety, as going out on the water alone and inexperienced can be perilous.
• Paraphrase: In a safe and controlled environment, you can teach yourself to sail, despite trained sailors giving instruction in most cases. Going out on the water alone can be dangerous for a beginner.

Is Paraphrasing Ever a Bad Thing?

Paraphrasing shouldn’t be used when it does not accurately reflect the ideas of the original source. Poor paraphrasing can look like only switching out a few words or failing to acknowledge the source or author with direct quotations or in-text citations when necessary. Ultimately, incorrect paraphrasing could result in a costly mistake. 

Paraphrasing is unnecessary when sharing a famous speech or lines from a book. In this case, you would use direct quotations. For example, you wouldn’t paraphrase Martin Luther King Jr’s “I have a dream” speech. Therefore, paraphrasing would likely reduce the impact.

Why Do We Paraphrase?

Paraphrasing leaves out unnecessary info.

The art of paraphrasing allows a writer or speaker to succinctly rephrase statements or ideas, focusing on the most critical aspects of the topic or idea. It helps to create clarity by leaving out any unnecessary information.

Paraphrasing allows the speaker or writer to reframe it in a more relevant way to their audience. Sometimes you would only take pieces of the original idea that relate to what you want to express.

Paraphrasing Simplifies Your Communication

Putting paraphrasing into practice regularly helps you focus on the key concepts or crucial information and communicate that, whether it’s in a professional conversation, giving a speech, or writing your paper for a college course. It allows you to hold people’s attention by providing concise information and impacting your audience.

Paraphrasing Puts an Original Spin on Information

Paraphrasing is a great technique to use if the original format of the information is not unique or impactful. It is an opportunity to rephrase it in a more compelling and digestible way, putting an original spin on an idea.

Improving this skill also allows you to keep your authentic communication style even if you’re sharing someone else's ideas.

Using Paraphrasing as a Listener

Using paraphrasing in active listening .

A critical step in the paraphrasing process is active listening. To succinctly communicate an idea or concept in an original way, you must actively listen to extract the main points before you can accurately paraphrase. Paraphrasing what someone said shows the speaker you are actively listening and retaining the information.

How To Paraphrase in Conversation

When in conversation with others, paraphrasing is a great way to ensure both parties are on the same page in understanding the exchange of information. You can practice paraphrasing by actively listening to what someone is saying, condensing the information into a shorter format using your own words, and repeating it for confirmation.

New, Original Words

Paraphrasing is an effective technique for learning, communicating, and restating ideas and concepts in an original format. Improving your paraphrasing skills will help ensure your research paper, presentation, and professional or personal communication is clear, relevant, impactful, and plagiarism free. Just remember to cite any original sources where appropriate.

Did you know you can communicate with clarity, conciseness, and confidence using Poised, the AI communication coach?

Poised gives you real-time feedback on everything from words most spoken to filler words, confidence, energy, empathy, and more. The best part? No one else knows you’re using it. Learn more today .

APA Citation Style Guide | University of South Carolina

Active Listening Definition, Skills, and Examples | The Balance Careers

Quoting and Paraphrasing – The Writing Center | UW–Madison

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Paraphrasing in IELTS speaking

The key to a higher score in ielts speaking is paraphrasing..

Updated: September 2023 You are probably aware that paraphrasing is a key skill in IELTS writing and is important for a good Band score if it’s done skillfully, but what about in the speaking section of the exam?

In the IELTS speaking Band descriptors for Band 7 lexical resource , it says : ‘uses paraphrase effectively’ and for Band 4 lexical resource it mentions: ‘rarely attempts to paraphrase’ . So clearly this is important to consider when you are in the IELTS speaking exam.

When the examiner asks you a question if you just ‘parrot’ it or copy the words he or she has used, it could lower your score in vocabulary. Here is a bad example of IELTS speaking part 1 responses.

Topic: Food (part 1 of the speaking test)

What kind of food do you like? The kinds of food I like are spicy such as Thai food and I like Indian food too. Are there any foods you dislike? Yes, I dislike bland food such as tofu or white bread, they are too bland. What food did you like to eat as a child? As a child I liked to eat hamburgers, I sometimes ate cakes when I was a child too. Do you prefer to eat alone or with other people? I prefer to eat with other people because I can talk to them while I eat.

So what’s the problem here, can you spot it? It seems to be grammatically correct anyway. See the analysis below.

You will notice that the candidate has used the same words as the examiner from the questions.

What kind of food do you like ? The kinds of food I like are spicy such as Thai food and I like Indian food too.

Are there any foods you dislike yes, i dislike bland food such as tofu or white bread, they are too bland ., what food did you like to eat as a child as a child i liked to eat hamburgers, i sometimes ate cakes when i was   a child too., do you prefer to eat alone or with other people i prefer to eat with other people because i can talk to them while i eat ..

The words In blue are copied from the question. Although the answers are clear and grammatically seem to be correct, the vocabulary is limited and too simple.

Let’s take a look at a good example now with the same questions.

What kind of food do you like? I’m very keen on spicy dishes such as Thai curries, soups, and spicy Thai salads. I’m also into Indian cuisine, in particular, spinach curry with chicken. Are there any foods you dislike? Bland cuisine is not my cup of tea, such as tofu, noodles, or white bread. They just don’t stimulate my taste buds. What food did you like to eat as a child? When I was a kid I was very keen on hamburgers.  I remember I used to go to McDonald’s to get a quarter pounder, not exactly healthy though. I also had a sweet tooth, so I loved cakes. Do you prefer to eat alone or with other people? I would rather have dinner or lunch with someone, like my classmates or friends, as I find it more sociable and we can chat about various things. I feel uncomfortable eating on my own.

What can you see that is different here?

You will notice that the responses use the same words as the questions.

1.  What kind of food do you like ? I’m very keen on spicy dishes such as Thai curries, soups, and spicy Thai salads. I’m also into Indian cuisine, in particular, spinach curry with chicken.

• Here I do not use the word ‘food’ .  I say ‘dishes’ and ‘cuisine’ and instead of saying ‘ I like’ I used the phrases ‘I’m very keen on’ and ‘I’m also into…’   I also gave examples of the types of food I like as it is much more specific.

2. Are there any foods you dislike ? Bland cuisine is not my cup of tea , such as tofu, soba noodles, or white bread. They just don’t stimulate my taste buds.

• I didn’t use the word food but I used ‘cuisine’ again and the idiom ‘it’s not my cup of tea’ meaning that I don’t like it. I gave an example of the types of food I don’t like and there is a phrase related to bland food. ‘ They don’t stimulate my taste buds.’

3. What food did you like to eat as a child ? When I was a kid I was very keen on  hamburgers.  I remember I used to go to McDonald’s to get a quarter pounder, not exactly healthy though. I also had a sweet tooth, so I loved cakes.

• I paraphrased ‘as a child’ to  ‘when I was a kid ‘ and the phrase ‘very keen on’ meaning ‘I loved it’. I use ‘used to’ grammar here to refer to the past and ‘ I loved cakes’ also meaning ‘I liked cakes’

4. Do you prefer to eat alone or with other people ? I would rather have dinner or lunch with someone , like my classmates or friends , as I find it more sociable and we can chat about various things. I feel uncomfortable eating on my own .

• ‘would rather’ is a paraphrase of ‘prefer’ and notice how I didn’t use the word ‘eat’. Instead, I used the phrase ‘have lunch or dinner’ and I gave an example of the types of ‘people’ i want to eat with and ‘on my own’ to paraphrase ‘alone’

Do I have to paraphrase in all parts of the speaking test?

Yes, in speaking part 2 and part 3 it is the same. Paraphrase where possible but don’t obsess about it. Sometimes you may not be able to think of a synonym or a paraphrase but you can change the grammar slightly.

For example, in part 1 you will most likely get asked:

Do you work or study ? I am studying economics at the moment at Leeds University.

This answer is fine, and notice how I have used the word ‘study’ in a present continuous form. Keep your answers concise in part 1,  but in part 3 you need to support your views with an example so the answer will be longer.

Example part 3 question

Question: What are the pros and cons of living in a large city? Well, I’d say that the advantages of residing in a large urban area are that salaries tend to be much higher than in smaller towns,  and transport infrastructure is more efficient and developed. For example, when I lived in London my yearly income was at least 5000 pounds more than when I was living in Hereford. I could also use the extensive tube and bus network to get anywhere in London quickly. For the downsides , I reckon it’s the stress of commuting to work every day and the high cost of rent. Although salaries are higher, living costs are exorbitant, particularly in London. I also remember the rush hour in London it was awful, everyone was packed into the trains like sardines.

So you are probably thinking that it’s a long answer. This is because the question is asking me 2 things: the pros and the cons , so I tried to cover the question in more detail, notice the example I gave too. I also used the idiom ‘packed like sardines’ .Be careful when using idioms as they could lower your score if you don’t know how to use them correctly.

In some cases, the answer will not be this long, but most importantly you can see I have avoided using the words in the question.

Is the speaking test formal in IELTS?

No, you can speak freely in an informal manner (no slang and be careful of using idioms). It is the writing part of IELTS that needs formal language, except IELTS general informal letters in writing task 1.

Any questions? Leave a comment below.

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Paraphrasing

Paraphrasing is a listening skill that helps you demonstrate understanding of a message. Utilizing paraphrasing in everyday conversation can greatly help prevent miscommunications with others. We already do this on a day to day basis.

For this lesson, we are going to go a bit deeper, and discuss 3 types of paraphrases – Content, Intent, and Tone. Each one is equally important. But first, let’s discuss what is meant by “owned language” and “perception checking questions” in terms of paraphrasing.

Owned Language and Perception Checking Questions

When we used “I” instead of “you” we used “owned” language, meaning we take responsibility or “own” for our interpretation  In other words, we place the burden of understanding on ourselves.  When we use owned language in a paraphrase, we are demonstrating that is OUR OWN understanding of a message, instead of telling the person “this is what you said.”  An example related to listening may be saying “I’m having trouble hearing you” in place of “you are talking too quiet.”  Note the use of “you” in the second message sound accusatory and may cause the person to become defensive.  When we paraphrase, we are attempting to check our understanding of what another person is saying.  If we use “you” instead of “I” the climate of the interaction may become defensive instead of positive or supportive.

Examples of Owned Language:

• “If I understand you correctly…”
• “I’m hearing that…”
• “It’s my understanding that…”
• “If I’m hearing you correctly…”
• “It sounds to me like…”

Perception Checking Questions

Perception checking questions check the understanding of a message. They generally come at the end of a paraphrase.

Examples of Perception Checking Questions:

• “Am I right?”
• “Is that correct?”
• “Did I understand that correctly?”

Paraphrasing for Content

When we paraphrase for content, we restate WHAT the person said…we take their words and put them into our  own words.  Try to just focus on the what – when thinking about content we aren’t trying to read into the message or emotions (those come later). Here is an example:

Person A : I’m working late tonight.  I need the lawn mowed, the dishes done, and the living room vacuumed before our guests arrive. Person B : Ok, so if I heard you correctly, I need to mow, finish the dishes, and vacuum.  Is that right?

Note the use of owned language (“So if I heard you correctly”) and a perception checking question (“Is that right?”)

But, is paraphrasing for content enough?  Consider the following State Farm commercial:

The same words are used, but have a very different meaning depending on the situation.  Paraphrasing for content would miss the deeper meanings here.  This is why, arguably, paraphrasing for intent and tone are just as, if not more important than paraphrasing for tone.

Paraphrasing for Intent

When you paraphrase for intent, you look beyond what it said, and focus on WHY the person said it. This is by far the most difficult paraphrase to master. Recall that every message is goal driven – generally to inform, persuade, or entertain. When we paraphrase for intent, we look for that goal. In other words, what does the speaker want us to do with this information?  So, for example, if I said “I just hate taking out the garbage!” you may find an intent “I’m hearing you say that you would like me to take out the garbage. Is that correct?” Note the use of owned language and perception checking questions. I didn’t say I wanted you to take out the garbage, but when I complained about it, based on what I said and the nonverbal tone, and perhaps my body movements, you were able to deduce that perhaps I was trying to persuade you to do it. Take a look at the previous example:

Person A:  I’m working late tonight.  I need the lawn mowed, the dishes done, and the living room vacuumed before our guests arrive. Person B:  If I’m understanding you correctly, you are wanting me to help you with these tasks?  Is that right?

Note the use of owned language (“If I’m understanding you correctly”) and perception checking question (“Is that right?”)

Paraphrasing for Tone

When you paraphrase for tone, you look at the emotion behind what someone is saying. This can be found through their words as well as their nonverbals such as tone of voice. But try not to associate Tone with just “tone” of voice. Take into consideration the whole message, verbal and nonverbal. To use the example above, if I said “I just hate taking out the garbage!” your tone paraphrase could be “It sounds to me like you are angry about having to take out the garbage. Is that correct?” Let’s look a the previous example:

Person A:  I’m working late tonight.  I need the lawn mowed, the dishes done, and the living room vacuumed before our guests arrive. Person B:  It sounds to me like you are stressed about this.  Is that how you are feeling?

Note the owned language (“It sounds to me”) and the Perception-checking question (“Is that how you are feeling?”)

Putting it all Together

A complete paraphrase will contain a paraphrase for content, intent, and tone. You can do this all together or as 3 separate paraphrases. Let’s look at a complete paraphrase for the previous example:

Person A:  I’m working late tonight.  I need the lawn mowed, the dishes done, and the living room vacuumed before our guests arrive.    Person B:  It sounds to me like you are stressed about this and would like me to help mow the lawn, finish the dishes, and vaccuum before our guests arrive. Is that right?

Here we have owned language (“It sounds to me”), tone (“you are stressed), intent (“would like me to help”), and content (mow the lawn, finish the dishes, and vacuum before our guests arrive.”), and a perception checking question (“is that right?”).

The activity below will allow you to practice identifying content, intent, and tone paraphrases:

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Paraphrase: Write It in Your Own Words

Learn to borrow from a source without plagiarizing .

A Paraphrase is...

• your own rendition of essential information and ideas expressed by someone else, presented in a new form.
• one legitimate way (when accompanied by accurate documentation) to borrow from a source.
• a more detailed restatement than a summary, which focuses concisely on a single main idea.

Paraphrasing is a valuable skill because...

• it is better than quoting information from an undistinguished passage.
• it helps you control the temptation to quote too much.
• the mental process required for successful paraphrasing helps you to grasp the full meaning of the original.

Six Steps to Effective Paraphrasing

• Reread the original passage until you understand its full meaning.
• Set the original aside, and write your paraphrase on a note card.
• Jot down a few words below your paraphrase to remind you later how you envision using this material. At the top of the note card, write a key word or phrase to indicate the subject of your paraphrase.
• Check your rendition with the original to make sure that your version accurately expresses all the essential information in a new form.
• Use quotation marks to identify any unique term or phraseology you have borrowed exactly from the source.
• Record the source (including the page) on your note card so that you can credit it easily if you decide to incorporate the material into your paper.

Some examples to compare:

The original passage:.

Students frequently overuse direct quotation in taking notes, and as a result they overuse quotations in the final [research] paper. Probably only about 10% of your final manuscript should appear as directly quoted matter. Therefore, you should strive to limit the amount of exact transcribing of source materials while taking notes.

A legitimate paraphrase:

In research papers students often quote excessively, failing to keep quoted material down to a desirable level. Since the problem usually originates during note taking, it is essential to minimize the material recorded verbatim.

An acceptable summary:

Students should take just a few notes in direct quotation from sources to help minimize the amount of quoted material in a research paper.

A plagiarized version:

Students often use too many direct quotations when they take notes, resulting in too many of them in the final research paper. In fact, probably only about 10% of the final copy should consist of directly quoted material. So it is important to limit the amount of source material copied while taking notes.

Paraphrasing Exercise

Directions: On a separate piece of paper, write a paraphrase of each of the following passages. Try not to look back at the original passage.

• "The Antarctic is the vast source of cold on our planet, just as the sun is the source of our heat, and it exerts tremendous control on our climate," [Jacques] Cousteau told the camera. "The cold ocean water around Antarctica flows north to mix with warmer water from the tropics, and its upwellings help to cool both the surface water and our atmosphere. Yet the fragility of this regulating system is now threatened by human activity."
• The twenties were the years when drinking was against the law, and the law was a bad joke because everyone knew of a local bar where liquor could be had. They were the years when organized crime ruled the cities, and the police seemed powerless to do anything against it. Classical music was forgotten while jazz spread throughout the land, and men like Bix Beiderbecke, Louis Armstrong, and Count Basie became the heroes of the young. The flapper was born in the twenties, and with her bobbed hair and short skirts, she symbolized, perhaps more than anyone or anything else, America's break with the past.
• Of the more than 1000 bicycling deaths each year, three-fourths are caused by head injuries. Half of those killed are school-age children. One study concluded that wearing a bike helmet can reduce the risk of head injury by 85 percent. In an accident, a bike helmet absorbs the shock and cushions the head.
• Matisse is the best painter ever at putting the viewer at the scene. He's the most realistic of all modern artists, if you admit the feel of the breeze as necessary to a landscape and the smell of oranges as essential to a still life. "The Casbah Gate" depicts the well-known gateway Bab el Aassa, which pierces the southern wall of the city near the sultan's palace. With scrubby coats of ivory, aqua, blue, and rose delicately fenced by the liveliest gray outline in art history, Matisse gets the essence of a Tangier afternoon, including the subtle presence of the bowaab, the sentry who sits and surveys those who pass through the gate.
• While the Sears Tower is arguably the greatest achievement in skyscraper engineering so far, it's unlikely that architects and engineers have abandoned the quest for the world's tallest building. The question is: Just how high can a building go? Structural engineer William LeMessurier has designed a skyscraper nearly one-half mile high, twice as tall as the Sears Tower. And architect Robert Sobel claims that existing technology could produce a 500-story building.

Paraphrasing Exercise: Possible Answers

Here are sample answers for the paraphrasing exercise:

• According to Jacques Cousteau, the activity of people in Antarctica is jeopardizing a delicate natural mechanism that controls the earth's climate. He fears that human activity could interfere with the balance between the sun, the source of the earth's heat, and the important source of cold from Antarctic waters that flow north and cool the oceans and atmosphere.
• During the twenties lawlessness and social nonconformity prevailed. In cities organized crime flourished without police interference, and in spite of nationwide prohibition of liquor sales, anyone who wished to buy a drink knew where to get one. Musicians like Louis Armstrong become favorites, particularly among young people, as many turned away from highly respectable classical music to jazz. One of the best examples of the anti-traditional trend was the proliferation of young "flappers," women who rebelled against custom by cutting off their hair and shortening their skirts.
• The use of a helmet is the key to reducing bicycling fatalities, which are due to head injuries 75% of the time. By cushioning the head upon impact, a helmet can reduce accidental injury by as much as 85%, saving the lives of hundreds of victims annually, half of whom are school children.
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• 10 min read

50 Top Paraphrasing In Communication Skills (2023)

Paraphrasing is a must-have communication skill—it's like the secret sauce to understanding and connecting with others. Picture this: you're having a conversation with someone, and they're pouring their heart out, sharing their thoughts and feelings. Now, paraphrasing comes into play—you listen intently, make eye contact, and avoid any distractions.

Understanding the main ideas is key, so you reflect on the information, pinpoint the core concepts, and really soak it all in. This active and reflective listening sets the stage for perfect paraphrasing.

Active Listening and Understanding

Paraphrasing techniques, building rapport and empathy, avoiding misinterpretation and assumptions, enhancing communication and clarity, cultural sensitivity, practice and improvement, supporting problem-solving and dialogue, acknowledging sources, 1. be attentive while listening.

Let's face it—we've all been guilty of zoning out during a conversation, thinking about what we're going to have for dinner or that upcoming vacation. But paraphrasing requires full attention. So, put away your phone, focus on the speaker, and be present in the moment. This not only shows respect but also sets the stage for a successful paraphrasing session.

2. Understand the main ideas

You know how when you watch a movie or read a book, you latch onto the main plot points? Well, it's the same in conversations. Grab those key ideas, reflect on them, and understand the essence of what the speaker is saying. It's like solving a puzzle—piece by piece, you'll get the whole picture.

3. Listen actively and reflectively

Active listening is like an art form—it involves not just hearing the words but also understanding the emotions and intentions behind them. Reflective listening takes it a step further. Before jumping into paraphrasing, take a moment to digest what you've heard. This reflection will guide you towards a more empathetic and accurate paraphrase.

4. Pay attention to nonverbal cues

You know how they say actions speak louder than words? Well, it's true. Nonverbal cues—facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice—reveal a lot about what's going on beneath the surface. So, keep your eyes peeled for those cues. They'll give you the extra insight you need to paraphrase with empathy and precision.

5. Verify understanding with the speaker

Imagine you're baking a cake, and you're not sure if you've got all the right ingredients. So, you double-check with the recipe. Similarly, after paraphrasing, double-check with the speaker. Ask questions like, "Did I get that right?" or "Is this what you meant?" This verification step ensures you're on the same page and keeps the conversation flowing smoothly.

6. Avoid interrupting while paraphrasing

Interrupting someone mid-sentence is like hitting pause on their thoughts and feelings. It disrupts the flow of communication and can leave them feeling unheard. So, don't do it. Let the speaker finish their thoughts before you dive into paraphrasing. This patience and attentiveness create a more positive and respectful conversation.

7. Use "I" statements when paraphrasing

Picture this: you're at a party, and someone starts gossiping about someone else. Suddenly, you jump in and say, "Well, I heard that..." It's not cool, right? Same goes for paraphrasing. When you start with "I" statements, like "If I understand correctly" or "From my perspective," you take ownership of your understanding. It shows you're not just regurgitating info but actively engaging in the conversation.

8. Restate information using synonyms

Paraphrasing is like giving a story a fresh coat of paint. Instead of using the exact words, swap some of them out for synonyms. It adds variety and flair to your paraphrase, demonstrating your mastery of the subject. So, grab a thesaurus and get creative!

9. Break down ideas into digestible chunks

Ever tried eating a whole pizza in one bite? Doesn't sound like fun, right? Paraphrasing complex ideas is like cutting that pizza into slices. Break it down into manageable chunks and focus on each part separately. You'll understand it better, and your paraphrase will be spot on.

10. Highlight main takeaways

You know how some sentences are like treasure chests with golden nuggets buried inside? When paraphrasing, uncover those precious main takeaways and give them the spotlight. Your paraphrase will become a concise and powerful summary, capturing the speaker's core message.

11. Change sentence structures

Repeating the same sentence structure over and over is like listening to a broken record. Mix it up! Play around with different sentence structures while retaining the original meaning. It keeps your paraphrase fresh and exciting.

12. Use a thesaurus to find substitutes

We all have our favorite words that we use like confetti. But paraphrasing is not a confetti party. To spice things up, use a thesaurus to find exciting word alternatives. Your paraphrases will be a colorful array of ideas.

13. Paraphrase complex ideas clearly

You know the feeling when you're reading a textbook and the jargon makes your head spin? Yeah, don't be that person. Paraphrase complex ideas in a straightforward manner, using everyday language. It helps the speaker—and yourself—understand the message better.

14. Use appropriate sentence stems

Just like building a house, a good paraphrase needs a strong foundation. And that foundation is an appropriate sentence stem. Starting with phrases like "It seems like..." or "I hear you saying..." anchors your paraphrase and sets the tone for a meaningful conversation.

15. Be concise and to the point

If you've ever listened to a never-ending story, you know how frustrating it can be. So, avoid going off on tangents when paraphrasing. Be concise and get to the heart of the matter. Your paraphrases will be like mini-explosions of insight.

16. Restate information with precision

When you're baking a cake, you measure the ingredients carefully to ensure it turns out just right. The same goes for paraphrasing. Pay attention to details and restate the speaker's information with precision. It shows that you value their words and ideas.

17. Paraphrase complex language into simpler terms

Remember that time you tried explaining quantum physics to your grandma? Yeah, not easy. When faced with complex language, break it down into simpler terms. It's like turning quantum physics into plain old everyday conversation. Your grandma will thank you.

18. Utilize owned language

Ever heard of the saying, "Put yourself in someone else's shoes"? Well, paraphrasing is like stepping into their shoes and walking a mile in them. So, use "owned" language when you paraphrase. Say, "It sounds like I heard you say..." instead of "You said..." It shows you're walking that mile together.

19. Ask perception checking questions

Imagine you're traveling to a new country, and you're not sure if you're pronouncing "hello" correctly. So, you ask a local to check. It's the same with paraphrasing. Ask perception checking questions after paraphrasing to ensure you got it right. It builds rapport and mutual understanding.

20. Be empathetic in your paraphrasing

Paraphrasing is more than just a linguistic exercise—it's an emotional connection. When someone shares their feelings, mirror their emotions in your paraphrase. Use phrases like "I can see you're feeling..." or "It sounds like you're experiencing..." This empathy strengthens your bond.

21. Paraphrase to build rapport

Imagine you're meeting your favorite celebrity, and they say, "I love your style!" It instantly creates a connection, right? Well, paraphrasing does the same. When you paraphrase, you show you're on the same page and truly listening. It's like building a bridge of trust and understanding.

22. Use paraphrasing to confirm understanding

Remember the time you went to a party and were unsure if you were at the right place? So, you asked the host to confirm. In the same way, paraphrasing is your confirmation tool. After you paraphrase, ask the speaker, "Did I get that right?" or "Is this what you meant?" It ensures you're in sync.

23. Be respectful in your paraphrases

Would you laugh at someone's dreams or call their ideas dumb? Of course not! So, when paraphrasing, be respectful. Use polite and courteous language. It shows that you value the speaker's perspective and creates a warm and inviting conversation.

24. Paraphrase to encourage dialogue

You know how people in movies say, "We need to talk"? Well, paraphrasing is the opposite—it's an invitation to talk. When you paraphrase, you're saying, "I'm here, and I'm ready to listen." It encourages the speaker to share more and keeps the conversation alive.

25. Use paraphrasing to demonstrate empathy

Empathy is like a warm hug—it makes people feel understood and cared for. So, when you paraphrase, you're giving that virtual hug. You're saying, "I'm here with you, and I get it." This demonstration of empathy fosters a safe and supportive space for communication.

26. Paraphrase to show active engagement

Imagine you're watching a magic show, and the magician asks for a volunteer. You raise your hand, eager to participate. That's the spirit of paraphrasing! It shows you're an active participant, not just a passive listener. Your engagement sets the stage for fruitful communication.

27. Use paraphrasing to build trust

Trust is like the secret ingredient in any successful relationship. When you paraphrase, you're adding that special something. It shows the speaker you're fully invested and genuinely trying to understand. This trust-building paraphrase fosters a deeper connection.

28. Avoid word-for-word repetition

Parrot talk is fun for, well, parrots. But in communication, it's a no-go. Paraphrasing is your opportunity to shine with creativity. So, skip the word-for-word repetition. Use your language skills to restate ideas in your unique way.

29. Avoid inserting personal opinions

Picture this: you're at a concert, and the band starts playing your favorite song. But then someone in the crowd starts loudly singing a different tune. Annoying, right? The same goes for paraphrasing—keep your personal opinions out of it. It's not about you; it's about the speaker.

30. Stay objective in your paraphrases

You know how at a fair, you try to win that stuffed animal by shooting hoops? The more objective you are, the better your chances. It's the same with paraphrasing. Stay objective, and you'll win at accurate communication.

31. Avoid misinterpretation

Misinterpretation is like a dance party gone wrong—you end up stepping on each other's toes. To avoid the mishaps of miscommunication, be cautious while paraphrasing. Pay attention to the speaker's words and nonverbal cues. When in doubt, ask clarifying questions.

32. Avoid making assumptions

You know what they say about assumptions, right? They can lead you down the wrong path. So, leave the assumptions behind when paraphrasing. Focus on the facts and the speaker's actual words. If you're unsure, ask away—better safe than sorry.

33. Avoid altering the speaker's meaning

Imagine you're ordering a sandwich, and the server brings you a burger instead. Not cool! The same goes for paraphrasing. Stick to the main ideas and tone expressed by the speaker. Don't add or subtract—you want the speaker's message intact.

34. Avoid paraphrasing in a condescending manner

Ever had someone talk down to you like you were a child? Not a good feeling, right? So, when you paraphrase, be mindful of your tone. Avoid sounding condescending or dismissive. Treat the speaker as an equal, and your paraphrase will shine.

35. Avoid rushing through paraphrasing

Imagine you're doing a puzzle, and you rush through it, forcing pieces to fit where they don't belong. It's frustrating, and the result isn't pretty. Same with paraphrasing. Take your time, let the pieces of information settle, and craft your paraphrase thoughtfully. The result will be a masterpiece of communication.

36. Paraphrase to enhance clarity

Clarity is like a spotlight—it shines a bright light on your communication. Paraphrasing is your spotlight operator. Use it to highlight the speaker's message and ensure a crystal-clear understanding.

37. Use paraphrasing to clarify ambiguity

You know how sometimes you're lost in a maze, and you need someone to point you in the right direction? That's where paraphrasing comes in. It's your GPS to guide you through ambiguous statements. Clarify any confusion and seek clarification if needed. The path will become clear.

38. Adapt your paraphrasing to the audience

Paraphrasing is like dressing up for different occasions. You wouldn't wear a ball gown to a beach party, would you? Similarly, consider your audience's knowledge and familiarity when paraphrasing. Adjust your language and level of detail accordingly. It ensures your paraphrase is tailored to suit your audience.

39. Paraphrase to confirm accuracy

Ever played telephone as a kid, and the message gets all twisted? That's what happens when you don't verify. Paraphrasing is your verification tool. By restating the speaker's message, you give them the opportunity to correct any misconceptions. It's the key to accurate communication.

40. Paraphrase to foster open communication

Open communication is like a blooming flower—it thrives in a nurturing environment. Paraphrasing creates that nurturing space. When you paraphrase, you're saying, "I'm here to support you and your thoughts." It invites the speaker to open up and share more.

41. Pay attention to context and tone

Context and tone are like spices in a recipe—they add flavor to your communication. So, when you paraphrase, pay attention to the context and emotions expressed by the speaker. It helps you craft a paraphrase that's on point and respectful of the speaker's feelings.

42. Paraphrase to create a supportive environment

Paraphrasing is like building a cozy nest for communication. It's your way of saying, "I'm here to support you and your thoughts." By paraphrasing, you create a safe and supportive space for open dialogue.

43. Use paraphrasing to clarify misunderstandings

Remember that time your friend misunderstood your text, and it turned into a big mess? Misunderstandings happen, but paraphrasing is your troubleshooter. It helps identify and resolve these issues, creating a smoother exchange of ideas.

44. Be mindful of cultural differences

Cultural sensitivity is like speaking a foreign language—it takes practice and patience. When paraphrasing, be mindful of cultural nuances and avoid misinterpreting or disrespecting cultural norms. It's the key to smooth and respectful communication.

45. Practice paraphrasing regularly

Practice makes perfect—like playing an instrument or doing yoga. So, engage in daily conversations and make an effort to paraphrase frequently. The more you practice, the more proficient you'll become.

46. Practice paraphrasing with different topics

Imagine you're a chef who only cooks one dish. Boring, right? Same goes for paraphrasing. Try your hand at paraphrasing different topics. It broadens your knowledge and adaptability, making you a paraphrasing virtuoso.

47. Use paraphrasing to facilitate problem-solving

Paraphrasing is like a bridge—it connects different ideas and helps solve problems collaboratively. When you paraphrase, you're not just rephrasing; you're building bridges of understanding. This fosters problem-solving and teamwork.

48. Use paraphrasing to encourage further discussion

Ever been in a brainstorming session where ideas bounce around like ping-pong balls? Paraphrasing is your ping-pong paddle. Use it to bounce ideas back to the speaker. It keeps the conversation lively and encourages further discussion.

49. Paraphrase to help coach your employees

When coaching employees, it's easy to give the answers. Instead, use paraphrasing to hold back your automatic answers. Listen, paraphrase back to them, and help them come up with the solution. Then, they'll learn more from the experience and will know what to do next time.

50. Always acknowledge the original source

Imagine you create a beautiful piece of art, and someone else claims it as their own. Not cool, right? Same goes for paraphrasing. Always give credit where it's due. Acknowledge the original source—it shows respect for their work and maintains academic integrity.

Paraphrasing is like the secret weapon in your communication arsenal—it enhances understanding, fosters empathy, and builds lasting connections. Through active listening, thoughtful paraphrasing techniques, and a dash of empathy, you can become a communication superstar, whether at the university, workplace, or in your personal life.

Remember to be respectful of cultural differences and to always acknowledge the original sources when paraphrasing academic or professional material. With practice, you'll master the art of paraphrasing, bringing harmony and success to your interactions. So, paraphrase on and see the magic unfold in your communication!

21 Expert Tips For Effective Communication With Difficult People

We communicate with people every day, but sometimes it can be challenging to deal with certain individuals, especially the difficult ones. You may feel stressed, frustrated, and overwhelmed by their behavior.

However, effective communication can help alleviate tension and find common ground. In this blog post, we've gathered 21 tips that will help you communicate with difficult people more effectively. By following these tips, you can manage difficult situations with greater ease and achieve better outcomes.

Preparing Yourself

1. stay calm.

Staying calm is crucial when dealing with difficult people. If you let their emotions affect you, you may find yourself becoming angry or frustrated. This can make the situation worse and harder to resolve. Instead, take deep breaths, remain objective, and don't take their behavior personally. By staying calm, you can de-escalate the situation and find a solution that works for everyone.

2. Prepare Mentally

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English Conversation Tips: The Power of Paraphrasing

“If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.”

―Albert Einstein,  (1879-1955) German physicist  

Paraphrasing matters in conversation too ―   especially when learning a new language!

Experienced English teachers know that students must learn paraphrasing skills to complete academic writing assignments. Likewise, paraphrasing remains a vital skill for classroom participation, everyday conversations, and commercial transactions.

The ability to re-phrase and re-state, usually called paraphrasing, allows English students to confirm and accurately convey information while avoiding plagiarism when writing papers. As a result, paraphrasing is usually emphasized in English as a Second Language (ESL) and English as a Foreign Language (EFL) writing classes. Classes and teachers focusing on oral skills from academic presentations to simple conversations should also devote some attention to paraphrasing too.

Clarifying Questions

English language students, whether young or old, university or adult, must learn to confirm information by asking clarifying questions. This critical skill increases their ability to collect information, avoids costly mistakes and reduces their everyday stress level. It’s also impossible to accurately paraphrase a conversation if one is confused about the meaning. Some useful phrases for a listener to ask include:

• Are you saying…?
• Do you mean?
• What are you getting at?
• If I understand you correctly, you are saying …
• So you are saying… Right?
• Did I get that right?

Speakers can also check to see if their group members and classmates understand their directions.

• Are you with me?
• Can you understand me?
• Was I going too fast?
• Should I rephrase that?
• Do you follow?
• Is that clear?
• Should I repeat the directions?
• Do you want me to repeat that?
• Would it be better for me to repeat that?
• Can I answer any questions?
• Is anybody lost?

Asking advanced English students to repeat directions in different words can also be an effective group activity. The directions can be to a physical location (home, campus building, museum) or for a simple task like finding a definition or sending an email. You can extend the assignment by requesting detailed directions on a complicated procedure such as getting a driver’s license, applying for a visa, or choosing a new laptop.

Using Authentic Materials

Furthermore, you can ask students to share an autobiographical story. Student A tells a story, and Student B retells that story with different words to Student C. This paraphrasing exercise also helps build a larger, more practical vocabulary.

Another technique that I have found useful is asking students to paraphrase proverbs and quotations. This exercise, done in groups of two, often finishes with asking if students agree or disagree with the specific proverb or quotation. Of course, students have to give a reason and/or an example to support their answers. ESL tutors and English teachers lucky to have small classes can elaborate on this technique to match student interests.

If English students can accurately paraphrase a reading, a radio segment, or a verbal statement, they can actively participate in common conversations and classroom discussions. Many English teachers underestimate the importance of this skill, and assume students understand it more than they might. Verbal paraphrasing activities allow both students and teachers to assess listening comprehension skills in a natural, authentic manner.

Therefore, verbal paraphrasing deserves more attention in speaking activities, especially in high intermediate and advanced levels! Don’t you agree?

What techniques or exercises do you use to improve paraphrasing skills? For more materials, check out our Studying English activity collection ($4.99) from Creating Compelling Conversations !

Ask more. Know more. Share more. Create  Compelling Conversations . Visit www.CompellingConversations.com

Related posts:

• Paraphrasing is an Essential Conversation Skill!
• Teaching Matters: Creating Student-Centered Materials for Your English Classroom
• Teaching Tips: Discussing Idioms in the Classroom
• Using 5W+H Questions to Create Longer, Better Conversations

Eric H. Roth

Eric H. Roth teaches international graduate students the pleasures and perils of academic writing and public speaking in English at the University of Southern California (USC). He also consults English language schools on communicative methods to effectively teach English. Roth co-authored Compelling Conversations: Questions and Quotations on Timeless Topics in 2006 to help English language learners increase their English fluency. Recommended by English Teaching Professional magazine, the advanced ESL textbook has been used in over 50 countries in English classrooms and conversation clubs. Easy English Times, an adult literacy newspaper, has published a monthly column, “Instant Conversation Activities,” based on the book since 2008. The first specific version for a particular country, Vietnam, was published in 2011, followed by 2012's Compelling American Conversations. A title for Japanese learners, Compelling Conversations – Japan, was released in 2015, and a second edition of Compelling Conversations – Vietnam in 2016. Eric enjoys sharing reflections, resources, and teaching tips on this #ESL #EFL #ELT blog.

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Pingback: You Have the Power » Blog Archive » Learn English Language » Blog Archive » Become One of the English …

Top tip Eric, thanks for the list as well!

Karenne – Thank you for your kind words and sharp eyes!

It is so cool! I am trying to do that

the thing what i want is the important of paraphrasing technique to the law students so can you help me please.

its so exiting like

Paraphrasing is a difficult skill, but it becomes easier with practice. As a law student, you might try practicing listening to short broadcast pieces on the Voice of America or Marketplace, my favorite public ratio program, and mentally take notes. Then, when the broadcast – or podcast – is over, try to summarize the 2-3 minute report to two sentences. By dramatically reducing the information to a few sentences, you have to edit out many details and focus on the main idea. That’s the essential skill required for effective paraphrasing while listening to lectures – or questioning witnesses. As a future lawyer, you will use paraphrasing in many parts of your future career.

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#tefl Paraphrasing is an Essential Conversation Skill! – If English students can accurately paraphrase a rea… http://t.co/smYS9uXsvq

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RT @compellingtalks: Paraphrasing is an Essential #ConversationSkill! : Why #English teachers should not overlook its importance: https://t…

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Thanks for connecting to our article on paraphrasing!

Wonderful information! I especially found it interesting about students practicing verbal paraphrasing activities to assess listening comprehension. I have found that students are less capable of this skill today than when I first started my teaching career two decades ago. Can you please guide me to where I can find activities to practice this with 5th/6th grade aged students? I really want to prepare my students in how to properly paraphrase when they begin writing research papers in middle school and high school. I know that plagiarism is a huge problem in writing assignments. And I really believe it’s happening because students just are not taught/coached well in how to paraphrase; they have no idea how to put ideas and quotes into their own words.

Thank you, Traci, for your generous words and patience with my tardy response.

Improving the paraphrasing skills for 5th/6th grade students remains a challenge. Yet helping middle school students develop and deepen their paraphrasing skills in writing will dramatically improve their academic papers and future prospects. Too often, as you note, schools overlook this vital skill and students remain confused about how to rephrase ideas, cite sources, and “translate” quotes into their own words.

Partly because I teach graduate and university students, I am less familiar with the outstanding resources for middle school students. Purdue University’s OWL (Online Writing Lab) has many excellent resources for older students. You might be able to adapt these materials: https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/using_research/quoting_paraphrasing_and_summarizing/paraphrasing.html Sometimes students also use – for worse or for better – various online resources such as https://www.prepostseo.com/paraphrasing-tool and grammarly.com to help them rephrase materials. Consider me ambivalent about these online tools.

Likewise, I would suspect that both http://www.TeachersPayTeachers.com and https://www.englishworksheetsland.com/ would offer Common Core related materials. I am sorry that I can’t provide better leads.

By the way, I first learned to paraphrase in 5th grade many, many moons ago with a simple technique. The teacher had us read two pages, shut the book, and write a single paragraph about what we had read. It’s a bit old fashioned, but it might work.

Thank you, again, for visiting the blog and I apologize for my inadequate and tardy response.

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• Aug 12, 2022

Paraphrasing in the IELTS Speaking Exam

Updated: Sep 16, 2022

What is paraphrasing?

Essentially, paraphrasing means putting someone else's ideas into your own words. You keep the meaning the same, but you use different words to do so. Having a broad enough vocabulary range to paraphrase well takes time to build and can usually only be found in higher-level users of English. Even here, however, people often miss out on chances to paraphrase well and therefore risk lowering their score in the Lexical Resource criterion. First, let's look at how the information about paraphrasing is included in the public band descriptors (Lexical Resource):

Band 4: rarely attempts paraphrase

Band 5: attempts to use paraphrase but with mixed success

Band 6: generally paraphrases successfully

Band 7: uses paraphrase effectively

We can see that the ability to paraphrase makes up a key part of the Lexical Resource criterion. Let's explore how you can improve your ability to paraphrase.

How to paraphrase

1. learn and use synonyms The key to being able to paraphrase successfully is having a broad vocabulary range. This means that you know and are able to use a wide range of synonyms. This should happen anyway as your language improves and it's something you should be working on for all parts of the IELTS exam as there are a lot of synonyms in the reading and listening papers.

However, it is one thing to know a synonym and another to be able to produce it in real time. Get together with a study buddy and practice rephrasing each other's ideas as you work through a list of Part 1 or Part 3 questions. Or, role-play asking and answering questions and make sure that your answers include paraphrases of the questions: A: What do you do in your free time ? (Part One question) B: Well, in my spare time I like to play football and watch movies.

C: Well, in my down time I enjoy playing football and watching films. Although these are simple synonyms , it's still worth making sure that you are using them and not simply repeating what the examiner says! Learn more about expanding your depth of vocabulary.

2. Play with clause order A more sophisticated way of creating a paraphrase is to change the grammar structure. This perhaps is better suited in the writing papers, but it can work well in the speaking exam.... if your speaking skill is strong enough. You wouldn't want to lower your score by over thinking this one. You can change the tense or the order of information A: Do you think that we have more free time now than we used to in the past? (Part 3 question) B: Well, in the past people worked hard, perhaps doing a lot of physically demanding work so I guess they had less spare time to relax when compared to modern life but I'd also say that in today's world , we are always switched on, you know, with the phone or the computer or social media, so perhaps we have less time on our hands compared to our ancestors.

As well as the vocabulary synonyms, there is a change in tense (used to - past simple) and a change in the comparison structure (than - compared to)

3. Learn synonyms through word webs If you want to build up your range of synonyms, a great way to do this is through word webs. These are like mind maps and can be used to show connections between groups of words and phrases:

You can add to your word webs as you learn more vocabulary about a topic and they are a great way to develop your vocabulary. Using paraphrasing in the IELTS speaking exam

There are two main ways you can paraphrase in the speaking exam:

1. to clarify what the examiner said

Paraphrasing is a great strategy for when you are not sure what the examiner said. It's far better to paraphrase than it is to say can you repeat that? In fact, I would say that if you can paraphrase well, using this skill to clarify what you heard is a bonus as it proves to the examiner that you have developed this important speaking skill.

Examiner: Do you think that people are entitled to more holiday?

Candidate: Are you asking if I believe people should get more time off work? Read this post for more information about how to use paraphrasing to clarify what you heard.

2. to summarise what you have said

You can also use paraphrasing to round of your own speaking, perhaps at the end of Part 2 or to summarise an answer in Part 3. You'll need to practise doing this with a teacher or speaking partner, but it can be a good way to add a few extra seconds if you realise you haven't said enough as well as showing the examiner that you do have the ability to paraphrase.

If you'd like to work on your speaking skills before your IELTS exam, why not join Think Positive Speaking? This online speaking club meets three times a week with the meetings closely following the structure of the IELTS speaking exam: Session One: informal questions (IELTS Part One) Session Two: solo speaking (IELTS Part Two) Session Three: discussion questions (IELTS Part Three) Join us and get a free week in the club !

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Chapter 3: Preparing for Your First Speech

Credibility and Ethics

When Aristotle used the term ethos in the 5th century B.C.E. to describe one of the means of persuasion, he defined it as the “wisdom, sagacity, and character of the rhetor” (see Chapter 13 for more coverage of ethos and Aristotle’s other artistic proofs). Modern scholars of communication and persuasion speak more about “credibility” as an attitude the audience has toward the speaker, based on both reality and perception, rather than an innate trait of the speaker. Audience members trust the speaker to varying degrees, based on the evidence and knowledge they have about the speaker and how that lines up with certain factors:

•     Similarity: does the speaker have experiences, values, and beliefs in common with the audience? Can the audience relate to the speaker because of these commonalities?

•    Character: does the speaker, in word and action, in the speech and in everyday life, show honesty and integrity?

•    Competence: does the speaker show that he/she has expertise and sound knowledge about the topic, especially through firsthand expe rience? And does the speaker show competence in his/her ability to communicate that expertise?

•    Good will: does the audience perceive the speaker to have ethical intentions toward the audience?

In addition to these key areas will be the audience’s perceptions, or even gut feelings, about more intangible characteristics of the speaker, such as appearance, friendliness, sense of humor, likability, appearance, poise, and communication ability. Many of these traits are conveyed through nonverbal aspects, such as facial expression, eye contact, good posture, and appropriate gestures (see Chapter 11 on Delivery).

Understandably, the same speaker will have a different level of credibility with different audiences. For example, in regard to presidential campaigns, it is interesting to listen to how different people respond to and “trust” different candidates. Donald Trump entered the presidential race as a Re- publican nominee and quickly became a frontrunner in many of the early polls and primaries, eventually winning the Electoral College votes, to the surprise of many. Those who voted for him often stated that they value his candor and willingness to say what he thinks because they perceive that as honest and different from other politicians. Others think he makes unwise and thoughtless statements, and they see that as a lack of competence and demeanor to be the national leader. Donald Trump is the same person, but different audiences respond to his behavior and statements in divergent ways.

The point is that character and competence are both valued by those who trust and those who distrust President Trump and the audience’s perceptions contribute to his credibility (or lack of it). However, these groups express their values in different ways. When trying to develop your own credibility as a speaker with an audience, you have to keep in mind all four of the factors listed above. To portray oneself as “similar” to the audience but to do so deceptively will not contribute to credibility in the long run.

To only pretend to have good will and want the best for the audience will also have a short-term effect. And to intentionally misrepresent your back- ground, such as experience and credentials, is clearly unethical.

Not only does a speaker’s level of credibility change or vary from audience to audience, it is also likely to change even during the presentation. These changes in credibility have been labeled as initial, derived, and terminal credibility .

Initial credibility is, as you would imagine, the speaker’s credibility at the beginning of or even before the speech. There are a number of factors that would contribute to the initial credibility, even such matters as the “recommendation” of the person who introduces the speaker to the audience. Any knowledge the audience has of the speaker prior to the speech adds to the initial credibility. The initial credibility is important, of course, because it will influence the receptivity of the audience or how well they will listen and be open to the speaker’s ideas. Initial credibility can be influenced also by the perception that the speaker is not well dressed, pre- pared, or confident at the very beginning. Initial credibility is why how you walk to the lectern and give your introduction matter.

Derived credibility is how the audience members judge the speaker’s credibility and trustworthiness throughout the process of the speech, which also can range from point to point in the speech. Perhaps you have seen those videos on a news program that show a political speaker on one pane of the video and a graph of the audience’s response in real time to the speaker’s message, usually noted as “approval rating” as the politician speaks. This could be based on the perception of the speaker’s presentation style (delivery), language, specific opinions or viewpoints on subjects, open-mindedness, honesty, and other factors. The point of the derived credibility is that credibility is an active concept that is always changing.

Finally, terminal credibility is, as you would think, credibility at the end of the speech. The obvious importance of terminal credibility is that it would factor into the audience’s final decision about what to do with the information, arguments, or appeals of the speaker – in other words, his or her persuasiveness. It would also determine whether the audience would listen to the speaker again in the future. The terminal credibility can be seen as a result of the initial and derived credibility.

Terminal credibility may end up being lower than the initial credibility, but the goal of any speaker should be to have higher terminal credibility. From an ethics standpoint, of course, credibility should not be enhanced by being untruthful with an audience, by misrepresenting one’s viewpoint to please an audience, or by “pandering” to an audience (flattering them). One of the primary attributes of credibility at any stage should be transparency and honesty with the audience.

In conclusion, speaker credibility does not exist alone. It is supported by a number of factors, including Aristotle’s other two traditional forms of persuasion, logos (logic, evidence, good reasoning, lack of fallacious arguments) and pathos (personal and emotional appeals).

•    Changing words but copying the sentence structure of a source with- out giving credit;

•    Copying so many words or ideas from a source that it makes up the majority of your work, whether you give credit or not.

Plagiarism exists outside of the classroom and is a temptation in business, creative endeavors, and politics. However, in the classroom, your instruc tor will probably take the most immediate action if he or she discovers your plagiarism either from personal experience or through using plagiarism detection (or what is also called “originality checking”) software. Many learning management systems, perhaps such as the one used at your institution, now have a plagiarism detection program embedded in the function where you submit assignments.

In the business or professional world, plagiarism is never tolerated be- cause using original work without permission (which usually includes paying fees to the author or artist) can end in serious legal action. The Internet has made plagiarism easier and thus increased the student’s responsibility to know how to cite and use source material correctly.

Types of Plagiarism

In our long experience of teaching, we have encountered many instances of students presenting work they claim to be original and their own when it is not. We have also seen that students often do not intend to plagiarize but, due to poor training in high school, still are committing an act that could result in a failing grade or worse. Generally, there are three levels of plagiarism: stealing, sneaking, and borrowing. Sometimes these types of plagiarism are intentional, and sometimes they occur unintentionally (you may not know you are plagiarizing). However, as everyone knows, “Igno-rance of the law is not an excuse for breaking it.” So let’s familiarize you with how plagiarism occurs in order to prevent it from happening.

There is a saying in academia: “If you steal from one source, that is plagiarism; if you steal from twelve, that is scholarship.” Whoever originated this saying may have intended for it to be humorous, but it is a misrepresentation of both plagiarism and scholarship.

No one wants to be the victim of theft; if it has ever happened to you, you know how awful it feels. When a student takes an essay, research paper, speech, or outline completely from another source, whether it is a classmate who submitted it for another instructor, from some sort of online essay mill, or from elsewhere, this is an act of theft no better or worse than going into a store and shoplifting. The wrongness of the act is compound- ed by the fact that then the student lies about it being his or her own. If you are tempted to do this, run the other way. Your instructor will probably have no mercy on you, and probably neither will the student conduct council.

Most colleges and universities have a policy that penalizes or forbids “self-plagiarism.” This means that you can’t use a paper or outline that you presented in another class a second time. You may think, “How can this be plagiarism or wrong if I wrote both and in my work I cited sources correctly?” The main reason is that by submitting it to your instructor, you are still claiming it is original, first-time work for the assignment in that particular class. Your instructor may not mind if you use some of the same sources from the first time it was submitted, but he or she expects you to follow the instructions for the assignment and prepare an original assignment. In a sense, this situation is also a case of unfairness, since the other students do not have the advantage of having written the paper or outline already.

Another issue that often comes up with students happens when two or more students, perhaps in the same section or different sections of the same course and same instructor, submit the same assignment. When confronted, the student say, “We worked on it together.” If your instructor wants you to work collaboratively, he or she will make that clear. Otherwise, do not do this–the situation usually ends quite badly for students.

In “sneaking plagiarism,” instead of taking work as a whole from another source, the student will copy two out of every three sentences and mix them up so they don’t appear in the same order as in the original work.

Perhaps the student will add a fresh introduction, a personal example or two, and an original conclusion. This “sneaky” plagiarism is easy today due to the Internet and the word processing functions of cutting and pasting.

In fact, many students do not see this as the same thing as stealing because they think “I did some research, I looked some stuff up, and I added some of my own work.” Unfortunately, this approach is only marginally better than stealing and will probably end up in the same penalties as the first type of plagiarism. Why? Because no source has been credited, and the student has “misappropriated” the expression of the ideas as well as the ideas themselves. Interestingly, this type of plagiarism can lead to copyright violation if the work with the plagiarism is published.

Most of the time students do not have to worry about copyright violation when they correctly use and cite material from a source. This is because in academic environments, “fair use” is the rule. In short, you are not making any money from using the copyrighted material, such as from a published book. You are only using it for learning purposes and not to make money, so “quoting” (using verbatim) with proper citation a small amount of the material is acceptable for a college class.

If, however, you were going to try to publish and sell an article or book and “borrowed” a large section of material without specifically obtaining permission from the original author, you would be guilty of copyright violation and by extension make your organization or company also guilty. When you enter your career field, the “fair use” principle no longer applies and you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holder and pay fees to use all or portions of a work. For more information on this very important and often misunderstood subject, visit the Creative Commons website and the Library of Congress.

One area in speeches where students are not careful about citing is on their presentational slides. If a graphic or photo is borrowed from a web- site (that is, you did not design it), there should be a citation in small letters on the slide. The same would be true of borrowed quotations, data, and ideas. Students also like to put their “works cited” or “references” on the last slide, but this really does not help the audience or get around the possibility of plagiarism.

The third type of plagiarism is “borrowing.” In this case, the student is not stealing wholesale. He or she may actually even give credit for the material, either correctly or incorrectly. He might say, “According to the official website of . . .” or “As found in an article in the Journal of Psychology , Dr. John Smith wrote . . .” Sounds good, right? Well, yes and no. It depends on whether the student has borrowed in a “sneaky way” (cutting and pasting passages together but this time indicating where the sections came from) or if the student is using the ideas but not the exact wording. In other words, has the student adequately, correctly, and honestly paraphrased or summarized the borrowed material, or just “strung the sources together” with some “according to’s”?

Students often are puzzled about what and when to cite borrowed material from sources. At this point, your instructor may have specific instructions, and you should always follow those first. However, in most cases you can go by the “repeated information” rule. If you are doing research and access ten sources, and over half of them have the same piece of information (usually a historical or scientific fact or statistic), you can assume this is “common knowledge.” That is, it is common to anyone who knows any- thing about the subject, and then you do not have to have a citation. If you find a piece of information in one source only, it probably represents the original research or viewpoint of that writer, and should be cited clear ly. On the other hand, there are exceptions. An often-cited or used piece of information has an original source, such as a government agency, and you would be better off to find the original source and cite that. Secondly, citing sources adds to your credibility as a prepared speaker. Again, your instructor’s directions on what and how much your cite bear upon this advice. Generally, it is better to err on the side of citing more than less.

Ethically Crediting Sources

In using source material correctly, a speaker does three things:

1.    He or she clearly cites the source of the information. It is here that the oral mode of communication differs from the written mode. In a paper, such as for literature, you would only need to include a parenthetical citation such as (Jones 78) for Modern Language Association (MLA) format, indicating that a writer named Jones contributed this idea on page 78 of a source that the reader can find on the Works Cited Page. In a paper for a class in the social sciences, an American Psychological Association (APA) format citation would be (Jones, 2012) or (Jones, 2012, p. 78). The first would be used if you summarized or paraphrased information from the source, and second (with the page number) is used to indicate the words were quoted exactly from a source. Obviously, in that case, quotation marks are used around the quoted material. In both cases, if the reader wants more information, it can be found on the References Page (APA) or Works Cited Page (MLA).

(Note: This text and its examples use APA because the Communication discipline is considered a social science. As with other advice, use the format your instructor directs you to use.)

A speech is quite different. Saying “According to Jones, p. 78,” really does very little for the audience. They can’t turn to the back of the paper. They don’t have a way, other than oral communication, to understand the type of information being cited, how recent it is, the credibility of the author you are citing and why you think he or she is a valid source, or the title of the work. It is necessary in a speech to give more complete information that would help the audience understand its value. The page number, the publishing company, and city it was published in are probably not important, but what is important is whether it is a website, a scholarly article, or a book; whether it was written in 1950 or 2010; and what is the position, background, or credentials of the source.

So, instead of “According to Jones, p. 78,” a better approach would be, “According to Dr. Samuel Jones, Head of Cardiology at Vanderbilt University, in a 2010 article in a prestigious medical journal…”

“In her 2012 book, The Iraq War in Context , historian Mary Smith of the University of Georgia states that…”

“In consulting the website for the American Humane Society, I found these statistics about animal abuse compiled by the Society in 2012…”

This approach shows more clearly that you have done proper research to support your ideas and arguments. It also allows your audience to find the material if they want more information. Notice that in all three examples the citation precedes the fact or information being cited. This order allows the audience to recognize the borrowed material better. The use of a clear citation up-front makes it more noticeable as well as more credible to the audience.

2.   The speaker should take special care to use information that is in context and relevant. This step takes more critical thinking skills. For example, it is often easy to misinterpret statistical information (more on that in Chapter 7), or to take a quotation from an expert in one field and apply it to another field. It is also important to label facts as facts and opinions as opinions, especially when dealing with controversial subjects. In addition, be sure you understand the material you are citing before using it. If you are unsure of any words,

look their definitions up so you are sure to be using the material as it is intended. Finally, it is important that you understand the type of publication or source you are using, for example, a scholarly publication in contrast to a journalistic one.

3.    The speaker should phrase or summarize the ideas of the source into his or her own words. Paraphrasing, which is putting the words and ideas of others into one’s own authentic or personal language, is often misunderstood by students. Your instructor may walk you through an exercise to help your class understand that paraphrasing is not changing 10% of the words in a long quotation (such as two or three out of twenty) but still keeping most of the vocabulary and word order (called syntax) of the source. You should compose the information in your own “voice” or way of expressing yourself.

In fact, you would be better off to think in terms of summarizing your source material rather than paraphrasing. For one thing, you will be less likely to use too much of the original and therefore be skirting the edge of plagiarism. Secondly, you will usually want to put the main arguments of a source in your own words and make it shorter.

Here is an example of an original source and three possible ways to deal with it.

Original information, posted on CNN.com website, Octo- ber 31, 2015:

“The biggest federal inmate release on record will take place this weekend. About 6,600 inmates will be released, with 16,500 expected to get out the first year. More than 40,000 federal felons could be released early over the next several years, the U.S. Sentencing Commission said. The sentencing commission decided a year ago to lower maximum sentences for nonviolent drug offenders and to make the change retro-active, with the inmate releases effective November 1, 2015. Sentences were reduced an average of 18%, the commission said. Early release will be a challenge for the inmates as well as the judicial bureaucracy” (Casarez, 2015).

With that as our original source, which of the following is truly paraphrasing?

The CNN News website says the federal government is releasing 40,000 felons from prison in the next few years.

According to a report posted on CNN’s website on October 31 of 2015, the federal government’s Sentencing Commission is beginning to release prisoners in November based on a decision made in 2014. That decision was to make maximum sentences for nonviolent drug offenders shorter by an average of 18%. Over the next several years over 40,000 federal felons could be let go. However, this policy change to early release will not be easy for the justice system or those released.

The largest release ever of federal inmates will take place in early November. At first 6,600 inmates will be released, and then over 16,000 over the first year. The U.S. Sentencing Commission says it could release over 40,000 federal felons over the upcoming years because the sentencing commission decided a year ago to lessen maximum sentences for nonviolent drug offenders and to make this happen for those already in jail. When the Sentencing Com- mission says that when it made that decision, the sentences were reduced an average of 18%. Early release will be a challenge for the felons as well as the judicial system. This came from a story on CNN News website in later October 2015.

If you chose the second citation, you would be correct. The first version does not really interpret the original statement correctly, and the third choice imitates the original almost entirely. Choice 2, on the other hand, is in completely different language and identifies the source of the informa- tion clearly and at the beginning.

This exercises may raise the question, “Should I always paraphrase or summarize rather than directly quote a source?” There are times when it is appropriate to use a source’s exact wording, but quoting a source exactly should be done sparingly—sort of like using hot sauce! You should have a good reason for it, such as that the source is highly respected, has said the idea in a compelling way, or the material is well known and others would recognize it. If you do, you should make it clear you are quoting them exactly by the way you introduce and end the borrowed material.

As mentioned before, students often have not been trained to use source material correctly and plagiarize unintentionally. But like the old saying goes, “Ignorance of the law is no excuse.” You will still be held accountable whether you understand or not, so now, in your early college career, is the time you should learn to cite source material correctly in oral and written communication.

Fundamentals of Public Speaking Copyright © by Lumen Learning is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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Public Speaking: Citations and Plagiarism In A Speech

The importance of properly citing sources in a speech

Citing sources in a speech holds immense importance, forming the backbone of  academic integrity and ethical standards . It’s all about showcasing professionalism as you dodge plagiarism, give credit where it’s due, and provide illumination for your audience.

Think of oral citations as pieces to your credibility puzzle— omitting them is like trying to complete an image with missing parts. Your words might be eloquent, but their impact will often falter without the citation reinforcements supporting your claims.

Diving headfirst into a topic or direct quotation without setting up proper verbal references can be misleading – like throwing someone into deep water without a lifesaver. Instead, ensure you set up each citation adequately, highlighting the relevance of the information while interpreting its context within your speech outline.

By adhering to such practices in-your-speeches , not only do you maintain professional dignity but also cultivate an atmosphere that empowers intellectual discovery and inspires trust among listeners.

Understanding the different citation styles and when to use them

Nailing a public speaking gig involves more than just charismatic delivery and compelling arguments. It also hinges on your adherence to proper citation guidelines, especially when quoting respected authors or referencing research findings.

Unbeknownst to many, there are three commonly used  citation styles in public speaking – APA, MLA, and Chicago .

For instance, APA (American Psychological Association) is frequently used for speeches related to psychology or social sciences. The elements required in an oral APA citation typically include the author’s last name and the year of publication.

On the other hand, if you’re delving into literary criticism or language arts realms, MLA (Modern Language Association) proves apt with its emphasis on author’s last name coupled with page number.

And then there’s Chicago style which is noted for its extensive detail – ideal for history or humanities speeches but might be overwhelming if your speech isn’t research-heavy.

Being at ease with academic citation formats bolsters your credibility as a speaker while ethically sourcing information deters any accusation of plagiarism . So next time you take that stage armed with impactful quotes and powerful stats remember this: Your commitment to citing information accurately lends trustworthiness to your persona rendering each spoken word persuasive!

Tips for paraphrasing and summarizing sources in a speech

Improving both your written and verbal communication skills in public speaking starts with mastering the  art of paraphrasing and summarizing sources . It involves taking information from someone’s text, processing it, and reproducing it in your own words – a skill that demonstrates understanding, adds depth to discussion, and provides ethical use of information.

Your speech then becomes a tapestry woven with rich threads of paraphrased or summarized references rather than an unimaginative string of direct quotes.

Paraphrasing also brings in the element of originality without diminishing factual accuracy – making sure not to change the meaning while reshaping expressions is key here. Additionally, distinguishing between quotes and paraphrases is critical too when crediting sources within your speech as this preserves clarity.

Incorporating a blend of these techniques into your speech will showcase your knowledge on the topic at hand while avoiding potential plagiarism pitfalls.

Yet another advantage is that effective restating employs efficient oral citations – which allows for proper attribution and transparency during speeches. This leaves audiences confident about the credibility of what you’re conveying while illustrating relevance throughout discussions.

After all, isn’t it more fascinating to listen to a speaker who expertly navigates through their subject matter by leveraging multiple credible resources instead?.

Using direct quotes in a speech and how to properly cite them

Nailing down the art of  using direct quotes in a speech  and citing them properly is fundamental to maintain credibility and avoid plagiarism. You’re standing on stage, delivering your argument with an impactful pause before introducing a quote.

This signals your audience that these aren’t your words but someone else’s, which elicits sort of a mental “air-quote”.

To cite correctly, you need to provide sufficient information about the source. It’s not about reading out the full citation like at the end of an essay, rather it’s more conversational; for example stating “John Doe, professor at XYZ University says…” or according to Jane Smith in her book ‘ABC’.

Steer clear from making your public speaking debut just a string of quotations though. Your speech should showcase original thought supplemented by credible sources cited in an engaging manner.

Moreover, be sure to emphasize when you are providing a direct quotation versus paraphrasing or summarizing someone else’s ideas – this distinction carries weight towards avoiding inadvertent plagiarism.

Maintain consistency in citation styles throughout – designate italics for sources while underlining book titles. This ensures accessibility for each listener and enhances overall comprehension for those following along visually.

The role of a bibliography or works cited page in a speech

In the realm of public speaking, a bibliography or works cited page plays a crucial role in ensuring that you give credit where credit is due. This handy tool allows your audience to locate and access the sources you used in your speech even after the event has ended.

Whether you are referencing books, articles, or information gathered from the internet, including these sources on a reference page demonstrates your commitment to academic integrity and ethical communication.

When citing sources within your speech, it’s important to follow three key steps: setting up the citation, incorporating the cited information seamlessly into your content, and providing an explanation for why you chose that particular source.

Oral citations play a significant role here as they not only showcase your meticulous research but also help avoid any accusations of plagiarism. It’s worth noting that many public speaking instructors require students to submit a bibliography or “Works Cited” page along with their speeches as evidence of thorough research .

So, whether it’s quoting directly from an influential book or paraphrasing expert opinions found online, remember to include these valuable resources on your reference page. Doing so not only adds credibility to your presentation but also encourages others to explore further and delve deeper into the topics discussed.

By acknowledging other scholars’ work and ideas through proper citations, you contribute positively to intellectual discussions while maintaining transparency in academic discourse.

How to properly cite sources from the internet in a speech

Properly citing sources from the internet in a speech is crucial to maintain credibility and avoid plagiarism. With the vast amount of information available online, it’s important to accurately attribute any ideas or data you use in your speech.

When citing internet sources, be sure to include all necessary information that would enable your audience to locate those sources with some effort.

To cite direct quotes from an internet source, provide the author’s name (if available), the title of the article or webpage, the date it was published or last updated, and the URL. For example: “According to John Doe’s article ‘The Importance of Public Speaking’ published on January 1st, 2022 (insert URL), he states..”.

When paraphrasing or summarizing information from a website in your speech, still mention where you obtained that information by providing attributions like “According to a study conducted by XYZ Research..” followed by a brief description of what was found.

It’s important to note that not properly citing information taken from others can result in unintentional plagiarism. By following proper citation guidelines and clearly attributing outside knowledge within your speech, you demonstrate professionalism and respect for intellectual property.

Utilize citation generator tools specifically designed for speeches if needed as they can make this process easier while ensuring accuracy.

Overall, remember that giving credit where it’s due is an integral part of ethical public speaking. Properly acknowledging internet sources will enhance both your credibility as a speaker and help guide your audience towards further exploration of reliable information.

The difference between common knowledge and information that requires citation

Understanding the difference between common knowledge and information that requires citation is crucial for any public speaker. Common knowledge refers to information that the average, educated reader would accept as reliable without having to look it up.

It includes facts known by a lot of people and found in many sources. For example, stating that water boils at 100 degrees Celsius or that Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech during the Civil Rights Movement are considered common knowledge.

On the other hand, when introducing information that is not common knowledge or may be considered common knowledge in your field but is unknown to the reader, it must be cited. Citing sources allows readers and listeners to see where you found your information and gives credit to those who originally discovered or researched it.

Ethics in public speaking play a crucial role here since understanding what counts as common knowledge can sometimes be subjective. Experts may disagree on whether certain information falls under this category or requires proper citation.

Overall, being aware of when to use citations ensures ethical public speaking practices and prevents plagiarism while maintaining credibility with your audience.

1. Why is it important to include citations in a speech?

Including citations in a speech is important because it gives credit to the original sources of information or ideas, demonstrates credibility, and shows respect for intellectual property.

2. How should I format my citations in a speech?

Citations in a speech can be formatted by mentioning the author’s name, the title of the source, and any relevant publication information such as date and page number. It’s crucial to follow a recognized citation style like APA or MLA for consistency and clarity.

3. What constitutes plagiarism in public speaking?

Plagiarism in public speaking occurs when someone presents another person’s ideas, words, or work without giving proper credit. This includes copying directly from a source without quotation marks or paraphrasing without acknowledging the original author.

4. How can I avoid plagiarism in my speeches?

To avoid plagiarism in your speeches, make sure to properly cite all sources used, including direct quotes and paraphrased information. Take careful notes while researching and keep track of all reference material used during your preparation process. Additionally, always give credit to authors and speakers whose ideas you incorporate into your speech through clear attribution statements

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• How to Paraphrase | Step-by-Step Guide & Examples

How to Paraphrase | Step-by-Step Guide & Examples

Published on April 8, 2022 by Courtney Gahan and Jack Caulfield. Revised on June 1, 2023.

Paraphrasing means putting someone else’s ideas into your own words. Paraphrasing a source involves changing the wording while preserving the original meaning.

Paraphrasing is an alternative to  quoting (copying someone’s exact words and putting them in quotation marks ). In academic writing, it’s usually better to integrate sources by paraphrasing instead of quoting. It shows that you have understood the source, reads more smoothly, and keeps your own voice front and center.

Every time you paraphrase, it’s important to cite the source . Also take care not to use wording that is too similar to the original. Otherwise, you could be at risk of committing plagiarism .

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Table of contents

How to paraphrase in five easy steps, how to paraphrase correctly, examples of paraphrasing, how to cite a paraphrase, paraphrasing vs. quoting, paraphrasing vs. summarizing, avoiding plagiarism when you paraphrase, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about paraphrasing.

If you’re struggling to get to grips with the process of paraphrasing, check out our easy step-by-step guide in the video below.

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Putting an idea into your own words can be easier said than done. Let’s say you want to paraphrase the text below, about population decline in a particular species of sea snails.

Incorrect paraphrasing

You might make a first attempt to paraphrase it by swapping out a few words for  synonyms .

Like other sea creatures inhabiting the vicinity of highly populated coasts, horse conchs have lost substantial territory to advancement and contamination , including preferred breeding grounds along mud flats and seagrass beds. Their Gulf home is also heating up due to global warming , which scientists think further puts pressure on the creatures , predicated upon the harmful effects extra warmth has on other large mollusks (Barnett, 2022).

This attempt at paraphrasing doesn’t change the sentence structure or order of information, only some of the word choices. And the synonyms chosen are poor:

• “Advancement and contamination” doesn’t really convey the same meaning as “development and pollution.”
• Sometimes the changes make the tone less academic: “home” for “habitat” and “sea creatures” for “marine animals.”
• Adding phrases like “inhabiting the vicinity of” and “puts pressure on” makes the text needlessly long-winded.
• Global warming is related to climate change, but they don’t mean exactly the same thing.

Because of this, the text reads awkwardly, is longer than it needs to be, and remains too close to the original phrasing. This means you risk being accused of plagiarism .

Correct paraphrasing

Let’s look at a more effective way of paraphrasing the same text.

Here, we’ve:

• Only included the information that’s relevant to our argument (note that the paraphrase is shorter than the original)
• Introduced the information with the signal phrase “Scientists believe that …”
• Retained key terms like “development and pollution,” since changing them could alter the meaning
• Structured sentences in our own way instead of copying the structure of the original
• Started from a different point, presenting information in a different order

Because of this, we’re able to clearly convey the relevant information from the source without sticking too close to the original phrasing.

Explore the tabs below to see examples of paraphrasing in action.

• Journal article
• Newspaper article
• Magazine article

Once you have your perfectly paraphrased text, you need to ensure you credit the original author. You’ll always paraphrase sources in the same way, but you’ll have to use a different type of in-text citation depending on what citation style you follow.

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It’s a good idea to paraphrase instead of quoting in most cases because:

• Paraphrasing shows that you fully understand the meaning of a text
• Your own voice remains dominant throughout your paper
• Quotes reduce the readability of your text

But that doesn’t mean you should never quote. Quotes are appropriate when:

• Giving a precise definition
• Saying something about the author’s language or style (e.g., in a literary analysis paper)
• Providing evidence in support of an argument
• Critiquing or analyzing a specific claim

A paraphrase puts a specific passage into your own words. It’s typically a similar length to the original text, or slightly shorter.

When you boil a longer piece of writing down to the key points, so that the result is a lot shorter than the original, this is called summarizing .

Paraphrasing and quoting are important tools for presenting specific information from sources. But if the information you want to include is more general (e.g., the overarching argument of a whole article), summarizing is more appropriate.

When paraphrasing, you have to be careful to avoid accidental plagiarism .

This can happen if the paraphrase is too similar to the original quote, with phrases or whole sentences that are identical (and should therefore be in quotation marks). It can also happen if you fail to properly cite the source.

Paraphrasing tools are widely used by students, and can be especially useful for non-native speakers who may find academic writing particularly challenging. While these can be helpful for a bit of extra inspiration, use these tools sparingly, keeping academic integrity in mind.

To make sure you’ve properly paraphrased and cited all your sources, you could elect to run a plagiarism check before submitting your paper. And of course, always be sure to read your source material yourself and take the first stab at paraphrasing on your own.

If you want to know more about ChatGPT, AI tools , citation , and plagiarism , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

• ChatGPT vs human editor
• ChatGPT citations
• Is ChatGPT trustworthy?
• Using ChatGPT for your studies
• What is ChatGPT?
• Chicago style
• Critical thinking

 Plagiarism

• Types of plagiarism
• Self-plagiarism
• Avoiding plagiarism
• Academic integrity
• Consequences of plagiarism
• Common knowledge

To paraphrase effectively, don’t just take the original sentence and swap out some of the words for synonyms. Instead, try:

• Reformulating the sentence (e.g., change active to passive , or start from a different point)
• Combining information from multiple sentences into one
• Leaving out information from the original that isn’t relevant to your point
• Using synonyms where they don’t distort the meaning

The main point is to ensure you don’t just copy the structure of the original text, but instead reformulate the idea in your own words.

Paraphrasing without crediting the original author is a form of plagiarism , because you’re presenting someone else’s ideas as if they were your own.

However, paraphrasing is not plagiarism if you correctly cite the source . This means including an in-text citation and a full reference, formatted according to your required citation style .

As well as citing, make sure that any paraphrased text is completely rewritten in your own words.

Plagiarism means using someone else’s words or ideas and passing them off as your own. Paraphrasing means putting someone else’s ideas in your own words.

So when does paraphrasing count as plagiarism?

• Paraphrasing is plagiarism if you don’t properly credit the original author.
• Paraphrasing is plagiarism if your text is too close to the original wording (even if you cite the source). If you directly copy a sentence or phrase, you should quote it instead.
• Paraphrasing  is not plagiarism if you put the author’s ideas completely in your own words and properly cite the source .

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To present information from other sources in academic writing , it’s best to paraphrase in most cases. This shows that you’ve understood the ideas you’re discussing and incorporates them into your text smoothly.

It’s appropriate to quote when:

• Changing the phrasing would distort the meaning of the original text
• You want to discuss the author’s language choices (e.g., in literary analysis )
• You’re presenting a precise definition
• You’re looking in depth at a specific claim

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

Gahan, C. & Caulfield, J. (2023, June 01). How to Paraphrase | Step-by-Step Guide & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved August 21, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/working-with-sources/how-to-paraphrase/

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Answer to Question #264776 in English for Jen

What does paraphrasing entail in public speaking?

a. the denotative meanings behind the words speakers use

b. repeating the same words a listener used to reemphasize a question

c. using different words to describe or explain something that has already been said

d. verbatim speech

Why is it important to address the audience as a whole when answering questions?

a. It makes you look more confident.

b. You should always address the questioner directly and individually.

c. It increases the chance of conflict.

d. It enhances your relationship with the audience.

We tend to remember what we hear first and last—losing much of the middle over time. This is called the ______.

a. first-last factor

b. middle content rule

c. primacy–recency factor

d. thought-speech differential

We tend to remember what we hear first and last—losing much of the middle over time. This is called the

c. primacy–recency factor.

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