Technique 5.20 — REARI
Introduction
The REARI model is a facilitation and communication tool used to explore emotional responses and underlying values during discussions.
This is very important in group settings where understanding people’s reactions is key to moving forward constructively.
Each letter represents a step in a guided conversation:
R – Reaction
What is your immediate response?
This step surfaces the person’s gut reaction to a situation, idea or proposal. It is emotional or instinctive.
E – Emotion
What are you feeling?
Name the emotion you are experiencing eg., excited, angry, confused, etc.
A – Analysis
Why do you feel that way?
You reflect on the reason behind your emotional response, ie what triggered it or what it connects to?
R – Reflection
What does this tell you about your values or beliefs?
This step connects your emotions and analysis to a deeper value or principle; it tries to clarify what matters to you.
I – Implication
What does this mean for you or the group?
The final question looks at next steps, insights, or actions based on the reflection; it turns the learning into practical application.
Summary
Benefits of applying the REARI tool
- creates empathy and understanding in groups.
- encourages articulation of what’s beneath the surface
- encourages a move from reaction to reflection, reducing conflict
- guides difficult or emotional conversations toward insight.
REARI Model Steps
R - Reaction: What is your initial response?
E - Emotion: What are you feeling?
A - Analysis: Why do you feel that way?
R - Reflection: What does this tell you about your values or beliefs?
I - Implication: What does this mean for you (or for us)?
REARI Model (Summary for Facilitators)
|
Step |
Guiding Question |
Purpose |
|
R – Reaction |
What is your initial response? |
Surface gut-level response or instinct |
|
E – Emotion |
What are you feeling? |
Identify and name the emotion involved |
|
A – Analysis |
Why do you feel that way? |
Explore the reason behind the emotion |
|
R – Reflection |
What does this tell you about your values or beliefs? |
Connect emotion to deeper values or principles |
|
I – Implication |
What does this mean for you (or for us)? |
Move toward insight, next steps or shared action |
Example:
Facilitator: “You seemed tense after that proposal was shared. Can we unpack that a little?”
Reaction: “Yeah, I didn’t like it.”
Emotion: “I guess I feel frustrated.”
Analysis: “It feels like we’re ignoring the work we’ve already done.”
Reflection: “I value consistency and respect for process. This feels like we’re throwing that out.”
Implication: “I need us to pause and acknowledge what’s already been done before we move forward.”