Page 81 - Perfect Phrases ESL Everyday Business

Chapter 11

Speaking with Someone Who

Is Difficult to Understand

If someone is speaking quickly, speak slowly and the person on the
other end of the line will most likely keep pace by slowing down.
When you have trouble understanding someone and part of the
problem is that person is speaking very rapidly, try this pacing tech-
nique. Ask the person to spell the particular word or name. The caller
may initially spell as quickly as he or she speaks. Interrupting this
spelling with your own repetition—and at a slower pace—will slow
the other person down.

You: Please spell your last name; I didn’t understand it.
Other Person (rapidly): S-m-i-t-h
You: Again, please. Could you spell more slowly?
Other Person: S
You: S
Other Person: M
You: M

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