Evaluation must come from the Speaker. At this point, exploration begins to develop a potential for discovery. In the early stages, Understanders are sometimes embarrassed by the act of reflecting. They feel silly repeating what someone has just said, or they think that it is insulting to the Speaker. In part, this feeling has to do with the timing of when one reflects.
Nothing has significance if it is done mechanically.
If reflection is used as a genuine comprehension check, when the Understander wants to be sure of not misunderstanding something, or losing track, then there should be no embarrassment. After some experience as an Understander, most people come to realise that reflection is not a trivial act. It is difficult to reflect accurately and empathetically, but reflection is of great help to the Speaker, and to the relationship on which Cooperative Development is based. The following exercises are intended to begin that experience. Read each statement carefully, look up from the page, and reflect.