The All-Too-Common Office Scenario
You’ve just finished a one-hour project meeting and head to the break room for coffee. You run into your colleague, David, who you’ve only ever shared a few pleasantries with.
“Hey David! How’s your morning going?” you ask.
“Pretty swamped,” David replies. “I’m just trying to fix some network issues before this afternoon’s training.”
You nod. You are not in IT, and your mind is completely blank. You worry that if you just say, "Oh, nice," the conversation will die right there, leaving an awkward silence by the coffee machine.
What can you do when you suddenly run out of things to say?
This is where you use the "Parrot" Technique. It’s a small but powerful trick used by communication experts to revive a dying conversation and build a strong connection—without having to be a conversational genius.
What is the Parroting Technique?
In those dreadful moments when your mind is empty and you’re wondering, "What do I say next?" parroting is the answer.
Parroting is the simple act of repeating the last two or three words your conversation partner just said, using a gentle, inquisitive tone.
This technique works by tossing the conversational ball right back into their court.
Let's go back to David at the coffee machine:
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David: “I’m just trying to fix some network issues before this afternoon’s training.”
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You (Using Parroting): “This afternoon’s training?” (Said with a light, curious tone).
Your response—a simple, repeated question—compels David to expand on his thought. Instead of an awkward silence, you have encouraged him to keep talking.
Why Parroting Is So Effective
Parroting builds trust and makes you appear to be an excellent communicator because it proves you are an active, engaged listener.
1. It Shifts the Spotlight Back to the Speaker
Confident and successful people know they learn more by listening than by talking. Parroting shifts the focus back to your partner, allowing you to simply listen while they feel heard.
2. It Uncovers Real Emotions and Details
Parroting is like a key that can unlock a person's true feelings or deeper thoughts. When you repeat their words with a questioning tone, you are inviting them to dig deeper.
This technique is used by top salespeople to discover what a customer really wants. In one famous example, a car salesman used parroting to get a customer to move past the "sensible" car he thought he should buy. By repeating the customer's own words, the salesman led him to admit he really wanted something "sportier," which ultimately resulted in the sale of a Lamborghini. The "parrot" technique uncovered the true desire.
How to Practice It
To be a great conversationalist, you don’t need a perfect script. You just need a few simple, actionable techniques.
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Step 1: Listen closely.
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Step 2: When your mind goes blank, identify the last 2-3 words the other person said.
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Step 3: Repeat those words with a curious and empathetic tone.
These small communication techniques are the concrete building blocks of success.
If you want to learn more of the "little tricks" that successful people use every day to win respect, admiration, and influence, learn more about our book, Communication That Wins. Mastering these skills will level-up your communication game and help you get anything you want in life.