1. Paraphrase: Consists of repeating at the speakers a summary of what they say, so they feel understood.
2. Inquire: Obtain all the information that is relevant to the resolution of the issue.
3. Acknowledge: Once the issue is made clear, communicate to your counterpart that you understand it.

The FBI uses a process composed of five sequential stages:

To establish rapport (Stage 3) with the subject, active listening skills (Stage 1) and empathy (Stage 2) must first be demonstrated and maintained throughout by the negotiator. As this process continues, influence (Stage 4) and the successful resolution of the crisis through behavioral change (Stage 5) follow.

• Minimal Encouragements: Through body language, or brief verbal replies, negotiators demonstrate that they are focused and listening attentively to the subject, this encourages the subject to keep talking and gradually relinquish more control over the situation.
• Paraphrasing: negotiators repeat in their own words the meaning of subjects’ messages back to them. This shows the negotiators are listening and understanding what the subject is conveying.