Which technique is used to facilitate communication during conflicts?

• A. Silent Treatment
• B. Rigid Debate
• C. Speaker Listener Technique
• D. Evening Reflection

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that conflicts are most productive when communication follows a structured turn-taking approach, specifically the Speaker-Listener Technique. In this method, one partner speaks about their thoughts and feelings without interruptions, using clear, non-blaming language, while the other partner listens actively, then paraphrases what was said and reflects the emotions to show understanding. After the listener confirms they got it, roles switch. This process helps reduce defensiveness, increase accuracy in understanding, and foster empathy, which is central to the Gottman approach to managing conflicts. The other options don’t fit because the Silent Treatment shuts down dialogue, the Rigid Debate treats the discussion as a battleground, and Evening Reflection isn’t a formal, real-time communication technique designed to facilitate mutual understanding during a conflict.