Speaking: Interactive Communication B1 - Lesson 4: Clarifying & Confirming

Speaking: Interactive Communication B1 - Lesson 4: Clarifying & Confirming Information ❓✔️🗣️

Objective: To understand the importance of clarifying and confirming information in conversations, and to learn and practice key phrases for doing so effectively.

• Learn phrases to ask for clarification when something is unclear.
• Learn phrases to confirm understanding of what someone has said.
• Practice using these phrases in different conversational contexts to avoid misunderstandings.

Misunderstandings can easily happen in any conversation, especially when speaking a foreign language. Knowing how to politely ask for clarification when you don't understand something, and how to confirm that you've understood correctly, are essential skills for clear and effective communication. This lesson will equip you with the phrases you need.

Phrases for Asking for Clarification

When you don't understand something someone said, or need more details:

• Sorry, I'm not sure I follow.
• Could you please repeat that?
• What do you mean by [specific word/phrase]? (e.g., ...by 'ASAP'?)
• Could you explain that in another way?
• I didn't quite catch that. Could you say it again?
• So, are you saying that... [your understanding]? (Used to lead into checking understanding)

Phrases for Confirming Understanding

When you want to make sure you understood correctly, or that the other person understood you:

• So, if I understand correctly, you mean... [rephrase]?
• Let me see if I've got this right. You're saying... [rephrase]?
• Do you mean that... [your interpretation]?
• Is that right? / Is that correct? (After rephrasing)
• Does that make sense? (When you are explaining something and want to check if the other person follows)
• Right. / Got it. / I see. / Okay. (To show you now understand after clarification)

Practice Dialogues

Read these dialogues. Notice how the speakers use phrases to clarify and confirm information. Practice with a partner.

Dialogue 1: Getting directions to a cafe

Sophea: To get to the new Brown Coffee near Wat Phnom, you go straight down Norodom Boulevard, then make a right at the third intersection after the Independence Monument, and it's on your left.

John: Sorry, I didn't quite catch that last part. Could you please repeat where I turn right?

Sophea: Sure. You turn right at the third intersection *after* you pass the Independence Monument.

John: Okay, so if I understand correctly, I go down Norodom, pass the Independence Monument, count three intersections, and then turn right. Is that correct?

Sophea: Yes, that's exactly right! And it will be on your left side.

John: Got it. Thanks!

Dialogue 2: Discussing a work task

Manager: We need to leverage our core competencies to enhance synergistic outcomes for this project.

Employee: I'm not sure I follow. Could you explain what you mean by "synergistic outcomes" in this context?

Manager: Certainly. It means we need to use our main strengths as a team to achieve results that are greater than what we could do individually. Basically, work together effectively to produce a better overall result.

Employee: Ah, I see. So, you're saying we should focus on teamwork and using our best skills to make the project more successful than if we just worked separately. Is that right?

Manager: Precisely. Does that make sense now?

Employee: Yes, it does. Thanks for clarifying!

Activity 1: What Would You Say?

Read the situation. How would you ask for clarification or confirm understanding? Click "Reveal Sample Response" for an example.

1. Someone tells you: "Make sure to submit the TPS report by EOD." You don't know what "TPS report" or "EOD" means.

Your clarification request:

"Sorry, what do you mean by 'TPS report'? And could you tell me what 'EOD' stands for?"

2. Your friend explains a recipe: "Just add a dollop of coconut cream and a smidgen of prahok." You're unsure about the amounts.

Your clarification request:

"Could you explain what you mean by a 'dollop' and a 'smidgen'? How much is that approximately?"

3. Someone says: "The event will be at the Chaktomuk Conference Hall." You want to confirm you heard the location correctly.

Your confirmation:

"So, if I understand correctly, the event is at the Chaktomuk Conference Hall. Is that right?"

Activity 2: Role-Play Scenarios

Work with a partner. Choose one of the scenarios below. One person gives information that might be unclear or complex. The other person practices asking for clarification and confirming their understanding. Swap roles.

• Scenario 1: One person explains how to use a new piece of software or a phone app with some technical terms.
• Scenario 2: One person describes the plot of a complicated movie or book they recently enjoyed.
• Scenario 3: One person gives instructions for a traditional Cambodian game or craft that the other person is unfamiliar with.

Tips for Clarifying & Confirming Information:

• Don't be afraid to ask: It's always better to ask for clarification than to misunderstand and make mistakes. Native speakers ask for clarification too!
• Be polite: Use phrases like "Sorry," "Could you please," or "Excuse me" to make your requests polite.
• Listen actively: Pay close attention to the explanation given after you ask for clarification.
• Rephrase in your own words: When confirming, restating the information in your own words (e.g., "So, what you're saying is...") is a great way to check your understanding.
• Use non-verbal cues: Nodding or looking confused can also help signal your understanding or lack thereof.

Summary: This lesson equipped you with essential phrases for asking for clarification (e.g., "Could you explain that in another way?") and confirming your understanding (e.g., "So, if I understand correctly..."). Using these skills will make your English conversations clearer, reduce misunderstandings, and help you communicate with more confidence.