I only do it when important. And in person/phone - not over IM/email. If it's a bunch of tasks for the other person, I say "Just so that we're on the same page

I only do it when important. And in person/phone - not over IM/email. If it's a bunch of tasks for the other person, I say "Just so that we're on the same page, can you tell me what you're going to do?" Or even "So, after this long ramble of mine, do you know what needs to be done?" - this often triggers them to rattle off a list.