--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: It’s almost laughably simple: for the…" description: "\"“It’s almost laughably simple: for the FBI, a “mirror” is when you repeat the last three words (or the critical one to three words) of what someone has..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e8d/chris-voss-5746_mirror_it-s-almost-laughably-simple-for-the-fbi_3197793.jpg" --- # It’s almost laughably simple: for the FBI, a “mirror” is… ![“It’s almost laughably simple: for the FBI, a “mirror” is when you repeat the last three words (or the critical one to three words) of what someone has just said. Of the entirety of the FBI’s hostage negotiation skill set, mirroring is the closest one gets to a Jedi mind trick. Simple, and yet…” quote by Chris Voss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e8d/chris-voss-5746_mirror_it-s-almost-laughably-simple-for-the-fbi_3197793.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e8d/chris-voss-5746_mirror_it-s-almost-laughably-simple-for-the-fbi_3197793.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e8d/chris-voss-5746_mirror_it-s-almost-laughably-simple-for-the-fbi_3197793.jpg) > ““It’s almost laughably simple: for the FBI, a “mirror” is when you repeat the last three words (or the critical one to three words) of what someone has just said. Of the entirety of the FBI’s hostage negotiation skill set, mirroring is the closest one gets to a Jedi mind trick. Simple, and yet uncannily effective. By repeating back what people say, you trigger this mirroring instinct and your counterpart will inevitably elaborate on what was just said and sustain the process of connecting.”” [Chris Voss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chris-voss/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Repeating the last few words of a speaker’s sentence builds rapport and encourages them to elaborate, enhancing negotiation. **In simple terms:** Mirroring repeats words to deepen conversation. Key Takeaway Use mirroring to foster dialogue. Themes communication negotiation psychology Mood empathetic strategic Type negotiation psychological When to use this quote - hostage negotiation - sales calls - team meetings - conflict resolution Key Concepts mirroring active listening rapport building influence dialogue Questions to Reflect On - When is mirroring most effective? - How to balance mirroring with genuine listening? A Different Perspective Overuse can feel manipulative; effectiveness depends on tone and timing. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Mirror](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mirror/) ## Related quotes > [“By repeating back what people say, you trigger this mirroring instinct and your counterpart will inevitably elaborate on what was just said and sustain…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chris-voss/by-repeating-back-what-people-say-you-trigger-this-mirroring-instinct/) [Chris Voss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chris-voss/) > [“Mirrors work magic. 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