Polite English: How to ask people to repeat themselves

TL;DR

Learn polite ways to ask for clarification when you don't understand someone, using body language and appropriate phrases.

Transcript

Hi. This is Gill at www.engvid.com, and today we're going to have a lesson about what to do if someone says something to you and you can't hear them properly, or it's not very clear what they say, and you need to ask them to repeat what it was they said. And this could happen anywhere, anywhere in the world, but especially if you're in maybe a big ... Read More

Key Insights

• 😯 Different accents and speech speeds can impact communication clarity.
• 🤩 Politeness is key when asking for repetition to maintain good rapport.
• 🪡 Body language can complement verbal cues to convey the need for clarification.
• 🔇 Criticizing the speaker's voice volume or speed is discouraged for effective communication.
• 😷 Asking for word explanations can enhance understanding and foster conversation.
• 🦻 Using phrases like "Could you repeat that, please?" can aid in seeking repetition politely.
• 😯 Maintaining good communication requires clarity in speech, appropriate pace, and volume.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why is it important to ask someone to repeat themselves politely?

Asking politely shows respect and avoids offending the speaker, fostering good communication and understanding.

Q: What are some phrases to use when asking for clarification?

Phrases like "Sorry, could you say that again, please?" or "Could you speak up, please?" are polite ways to ask for repetition.

Q: How can body language help in understanding unclear communication?

Body language, like leaning in and gesturing towards your ear, can indicate to the speaker that you didn't understand them, prompting them to repeat.

Q: Why is it discouraged to use impolite phrases like "What?" or "Eh?" when seeking clarification?

Impolite phrases can come off as rude and disrespectful, potentially hindering effective communication and causing misunderstandings.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Different accents and speaking speeds can make understanding difficult.

• Polite ways to ask for repetition include using phrases like "Sorry, could you repeat that, please?"

• Body language, such as leaning in and using hand gestures, can also aid in communication clarity.