Klausaklausa

Klausaklausa is a term used in communication studies to describe a structured conversational practice designed to enhance clarity and mutual understanding by pairing targeted questioning with active listening.

The name blends linguistic elements that resemble "to ask" and "to listen." In practice, klausaklausa involves a two-phase sequence: an explicit question phase in which one participant probes for details, followed by a listening phase in which the other participant paraphrases, summarizes, and confirms understanding.

Applications include classrooms, counseling, mediation, and customer-service training, as well as moderated online discussions where miscommunication is likely. Proponents say it helps reduce ambiguity and defensiveness by making assumptions explicit and verifying meaning.

Variants exist across education, conflict resolution, and work environments. Critics note that without skilled facilitation the method can feel scripted or performative, and time pressures may limit its use in fast-paced conversations.

See also: active listening, Socratic questioning, reflective listening.