Speaking: Interactive Communication B1 - Lesson 4
Function: Clarifying & Confirming
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to use phrases to clarify your own ideas and to confirm your understanding of what other people say.
Conversation Scenario: Avoiding Misunderstanding
In important conversations, misunderstandings can cause big problems. Good communicators use special phrases to clarify1 (make something clearer) and confirm2 (check if something is correct) information.
Manager: We need to finish this project by next week. We should delegate the tasks.
You: Sorry, what does "delegate" mean? (Asking for clarification)
Manager: Oh, sorry. In other words,4 we should split the work between us. Does that make sense?
You: Ah, yes. Okay. So, if I understand correctly,5 you'll do the research and I'll make the presentation?
Manager: Exactly.6 That's the plan.
You: Great, I just wanted to be clear.7
Your Interaction Toolkit
Function: Clarifying What YOU Mean
- to clarify: To make something clearer and easier to understand: បញ្ជាក់ ↩
- Let me rephrase that.: A phrase you use when you want to say your idea again in a different way: ខ្ញុំនិយាយឡើងវិញម្តងទៀត ↩
- In other words...: A common phrase to introduce a simpler explanation of your idea: និយាយម្យ៉ាងទៀត... ↩
Function: Confirming What THEY Mean
- to confirm: To check that something is true or correct: បញ្ជាក់ ↩
- If I understand correctly,...: A very polite phrase to use before you repeat their idea in your own words: បើខ្ញុំយល់ត្រូវ... ↩
- So, you're saying that...?: A common way to start a confirming question: អញ្ចឹងមានន័យថា...មែនទេ?
- Just to be clear,...: A direct phrase to show you want to confirm an important detail: ដើម្បីให้ชัดเจน... ↩
Function: Responding to a Confirmation
- Exactly. / That's right.: Phrases to say "Yes, your understanding is 100% correct.": ពិតប្រាកដ / ត្រូវហើយ ↩
Intonation of Clarifying & Confirming
The intonation changes depending on your function.
- When you clarify your own point, your intonation is usually falling. You are stating a fact more simply.
Example: "In other words, ↘ we need to work harder." - When you confirm your understanding of their point, your intonation is usually rising. You are asking them if your understanding is correct.
Example: "So, you're saying we need to work harder? ↗"
The "Listen - Paraphrase - Confirm" Loop
Paraphrasing (saying something in your own words) is a powerful B1 skill. To confirm your understanding, don't just repeat their words. Use this three-step loop.
1. Listen carefully to their idea.
Friend: "We should meet at the cafe at 9, but not the one near the market, the other one."
2. Paraphrase their idea in your own, simpler words.
You: "Let me rephrase that3 to make sure I understand. So, we're meeting at the cafe near the university..."
3. Confirm with a question.
You: "...at 9 o'clock. Is that right?"
Practice Clarifying & Confirming
Activity 1: What's the Function?
Read the phrase. Is its main function to CLARIFY your own point, or to CONFIRM your understanding of someone else's point?
- "So, what you're saying is..." -> (Confirming)
- "What I mean is..." -> (Clarifying)
- "If I understand correctly..." -> (Confirming)
- "Let me put it another way..." -> (Clarifying)
Activity 2: Paraphrase to Confirm
Work with a partner. Student A says a statement. Student B must paraphrase it to confirm they understand. Then, switch roles.
- Student A: "The meeting isn't cancelled; it's just been postponed until 3 PM tomorrow."
Student B: "Okay, so just to be clear, the meeting is tomorrow at 3 PM?"
Student A: "That's right."
Your Communication Mission
This week in Battambang, your mission is to avoid all misunderstandings.
In your next important English conversation (e.g., about a plan or an assignment), use one confirming phrase. After your friend gives you information, say "Okay, so if I understand correctly..." and repeat the information in your own words. This is a very powerful skill for a clear communicator.