Page 140 - Perfect Phrases ESL Everyday Business

Directions

I’m not sure I understand . . .
Before you move on . . .

Pardon me, I have a question . . .
Could I please ask a question?

Sorry to interrupt, but you said . . .
Excuse me, but I heard you say . . .
Going back to what you said before . . .

Please repeat that more slowly . . .
Did you say . . . ?

Do you mean . . . ?

What about eye contact? It is important to make eye contact with
someone who is speaking to you. It shows you are interested in what
that person is saying and that you are paying attention. A good way
to start out making eye contact is to notice the color of the person’s
eyes. You may, then, continue to look at the person’s face, but do not
stare fixedly into his or her eyes.
What does it mean to act or ask questions? When someone is
giving you directions, another way to exhibit understanding is to ask
questions—if you have any. “Do you mean file the reports in this file
cabinet?” You may also act by walking over to the file cabinet.
How do you contribute an idea? Perhaps you have an idea or
suggestion that might help. You may offer it now. “Would it work to
color-code the files and put all the delinquent bills in the red file so
they would be easier to find?”
Why is it important to turn around? If someone has started to
speak to you, it is rude not to turn around and face the person. It is
difficult to speak to someone’s back; you don’t know if the person
hears, understands, or relates to you and what you are saying. When

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