The Situation
You're in a meeting or on a video call. Someone speaks fast, uses an abbreviation you don't know, or the connection is bad. Many learners stay silent and hope to understand later — and then they do the wrong task. Native speakers ask for clarification all the time. It shows you're careful, not weak.
Key Phrases
Asking someone to repeat
- Sorry, could you repeat that, please?
- Sorry, I didn't catch the last part.
- Could you say that again? The connection isn't great.
- Sorry, you cut out for a second. (video call)
Asking someone to slow down
- Could you speak a little more slowly, please?
- Sorry, could you go over that again more slowly?
Asking what something means
- Sorry, what does KPI stand for? (abbreviations)
- What do you mean by "phase two"?
- Could you explain what "onboarding" involves?
- Could you give an example?
Checking your understanding (paraphrasing)
This is the most powerful tool. Say what you understood in your own words:
- So, if I understand correctly, we need to finish the report by Friday?
- Just to make sure I've got this right — you want me to call the client first?
- Do you mean that we should cancel the order?
- In other words, the budget is smaller this year?
Confirming at the end
- Can we confirm who's doing what?
- So my task is to update the spreadsheet by Wednesday. Is that right?
- Could you send the details by email, please?
Dialogue 1: An Abbreviation
Manager: ...so everyone needs to update their KPIs in the dashboard before the QBR. Irina: Sorry, could I just ask — what does QBR stand for? Manager: Oh, sorry — quarterly business review. It's the big meeting with the directors at the end of each quarter. Irina: Got it, thanks. And when is it this time? Manager: June 28th. Irina: So we need to update our KPIs before June 28th? Manager: Exactly. Ideally by the 25th.
Dialogue 2: A Video Call Problem
Carlos: ...and then we'll move the launch to... (connection problem) Hanna: Sorry, Carlos, you cut out for a second. Could you say that again? Carlos: Sure. We're moving the launch to September 10th. Hanna: September 10th — thanks. And just to make sure I've got this right, the marketing materials still need to be ready by August? Carlos: Yes, by August 20th. Hanna: Perfect. Could you send that in the chat too, so I have it in writing? Carlos: Good idea, I'll do it now.
Tips
- Start with "Sorry,..." — it's a very soft, natural way to interrupt.
- Don't say "What?" — it sounds rude. Say "Sorry?" with rising intonation, or "Sorry, could you repeat that?"
- Paraphrase important information: dates, numbers, names and tasks.
- Ask for it in writing when it's important. This is normal in English-speaking workplaces.
Common Mistakes
- "Repeat, please." → sounds like an order. Could you repeat that, please?
- "I don't understand you." → can sound like criticism. Sorry, I didn't quite follow — could you explain...?
- "What means KPI?" → What does KPI mean? / What does KPI stand for?
- Saying "yes" when you didn't understand. It's always better to ask!
Your Turn: Practise Speaking
- Say three ways to ask someone to repeat.
- Paraphrase these sentences starting with So, if I understand correctly...: "The client wants the report in PDF." / "We're moving the meeting to Thursday."
- Watch a short video in English and pause after each sentence. Ask a clarification question about it out loud.