摘要：Can You Repeat That, Please? Have you ever been in a situation where you couldn't hear what someone was saying to you in English? Maybe you were in a noisy envi
Can You Repeat That, Please?
Have you ever been in a situation where you couldn't hear what someone was saying to you in English? Maybe you were in a noisy environment, or they had an accent you weren't familiar with. Whatever the reason, not understanding can be frustrating and embarrassing. In this article, we'll explore some strategies for asking someone to repeat themselves politely and effectively.
Body Language
One way to signal that you didn't hear or understand something is to use body language. You might tilt your head slightly or lean in towards the speaker. You could also raise your eyebrows or scrunch up your forehead to indicate confusion. These nonverbal cues can help the person realize that you didn't catch what they said and prompt them to repeat it.
Another option is to use a gesture such as tapping your ear or cupping your hand around it. This signals to the speaker that the issue is with your ability to hear rather than their communication skills. However, it's important to be mindful of the context in which you use these gestures. In some cultures, touching one's ear can be seen as rude or disrespectful, so it's important to be aware of cultural differences.
Asking Nicely
If body language alone doesn't prompt the speaker to repeat themselves, it's time to ask verbally. One key to asking nicely is to use polite language. Consider these examples:
- Sorry, could you repeat that please?
- Excuse me, I didn't quite catch what you said. Could you say it again?
- Pardon me, would you mind saying that again?
These phrases convey a sense of politeness and respect while also clearly indicating that you didn't understand. It's important to use a friendly tone of voice and to maintain eye contact with the speaker. If you seem angry or frustrated, they may be less likely to repeat themselves or to continue the conversation.
Clarifying
When the person repeats themselves, don't be afraid to ask for clarification if you're still not sure what they said. You might say:
- Could you please speak more slowly?
- What do you mean by ________?
- Could you explain that in a different way?
Using these types of phrases can help you better understand the speaker's message and make for a more productive conversation.
Conclusion
It's common to have trouble understanding someone in English, especially if you're not a native speaker or you're in a noisy environment. However, by using body language, polite language, and clarification techniques, you can increase your chances of understanding and being understood. Remember to stay calm and respectful, even if you're feeling frustrated.
