Page 82 - Perfect Phrases ESL Everyday Business

Speaking with Someone Who Is Difficult to Understand

Continue repeating every letter you hear before the other person has
a chance to say the next letter. This will confirm that you heard the
correct letter, and it will slow down the process. Spell the entire name
along with the other person, and at the end say the name, in this case
“Smith.”
Don’t fake understanding. It might come back to haunt you. Do
not be afraid to ask questions. There are no dumb questions! It is
better to ask a question twice than to act on the wrong information.
Moreover, it is better to ask for clarification as soon as possible by
using some of the following expressions, or by substituting your own
specific questions or requests.

Phrases to Ask for Clarifi cation

I couldn’t follow what you said.
I am not sure I follow you.

Excuse me, but I don’t know what you mean. Could you
please rephrase that?

Please say that again.
Would you mind repeating that again?
Let me be sure I’ve got your information . . . (repeat it)

Did you say m as in Mary?
Is that central time or eastern time?

Is that your local time or our local time?
Did I understand you to say [this afternoon, at 4:00 P.M., in
conference room C]?
Please speak more slowly.

Whom do you want?

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