Some strategies for rephrasing I like are (1) converting "you" to "us/we", (2) removing emotion/blame, (3) occams razor - assume incompetence over malice, (4) f

Some strategies for rephrasing I like are (1) converting "you" to "us/we", (2) removing emotion/blame, (3) occams razor - assume incompetence over malice, (4) false timidness/fake blaming yourself. The person likely was listening but is not able to connect their statement with yours. Telling someone you think they aren't listening won't make them listen unless you hold power over them or are publicly embarrassing them. Assume your solution is x, but immediately after the person asks about y, which is solved by x. Some starters: "One concern we have is y, I think it makes sense that x will resolve it. What are your thoughts?" "I was thinking about y when coming up with x and thought the issue would be resolved, but maybe I misunderstood a piece of y?" "Sorry I may not have communicated that clearly - I think x will resolve y but perhaps I misunderstood your question. Can you expand on why x might not solve y?" Very dependent on culture/etc though. These work great for Americans, but for other cultures they are way too indirect. Unless you and everyone on the call is highly technical, fake taking blame doesn't have the negative impact people think it does. If you have a feeling someone wasn't listening, everyone else on the call has the same feeling. Calling them out likely won't help, but you earn respect if you progress the meeting forward without being a dick.