Section 1 of 7
'Looping' is the practice of summarizing what someone said to their satisfaction before you respond. Research shows this is the most critical—and least practiced—skill in civic dialogue. **Why it matters:** When we disagree with someone, our instinct is to prepare our counter-argument while they're still talking. This means we're 'listening to respond' rather than 'listening to listen.' Looping forces us to truly understand before we react. **How it works:** 1. Your dialogue partner makes a point 2. You summarize their point in your own words 3. They confirm: 'Yes, that's what I meant' or clarify 4. Only then do you respond with your perspective