Repeating back what someone said feels awkward. It also makes them feel heard. Do it anyway.

Saying it back sounds mechanical from the inside and lands completely differently on the other side. The person finds out you were actually following, and they get a chance to correct you before the misunderstanding grows, which is half the value. It also slows you down enough to stop you building your reply while they are still talking.

Try it in your own words rather than theirs, which keeps it from sounding like a technique. One sentence is enough, and ending on whether you have it right invites the correction. Use it when somebody is upset or when instructions matter, which covers most of the moments that go wrong.