How to Ask a Colleague to Repeat Something in English

Asking a colleague to repeat something can be a tricky situation, especially if you are not confident in your English language skills. However, it is important to understand what your colleague is saying in order to effectively communicate and complete tasks. In this article, we will discuss how to ask a colleague to repeat something in English.

Step 1: Politely Ask for Repetition

When you do not understand what your colleague is saying, the first step is to politely ask for repetition. You can say something like "I'm sorry, could you please repeat that?" or "I didn't catch what you just said, could you say it again please?".

Step 2: Ask for Clarification

If you still do not understand what your colleague is saying after they repeat it, ask for clarification. You can say something like "I'm sorry, I still didn't understand. Could you explain it in a different way?" or "Can you give me an example to help me understand better?".

Step 3: Repeat Back to Confirm Understanding

After your colleague has repeated or clarified what they said, it is important to repeat it back to them to confirm your understanding. This will ensure that you are both on the same page and avoid any miscommunication. You can say something like "So, if I understand correctly, you want me to..." and repeat what they said.

Step 4: Ask for Written Confirmation

If you are still unsure about what your colleague is saying, it may be helpful to ask for written confirmation. You can ask them to send an email or write down the information for you to refer to later.

Conclusion

Asking a colleague to repeat something in English can be intimidating, but it is important to effectively communicate and complete tasks. By politely asking for repetition, asking for clarification, repeating back to confirm understanding, and asking for written confirmation if necessary, you can ensure that you and your colleague are on the same page. Remember, it is okay to ask for help and clarification in order to succeed in the workplace.

In conclusion, when you don't understand what your colleague is saying, it is important to politely ask for repetition, ask for clarification, repeat back to confirm understanding, and ask for written confirmation if necessary. By following these steps, you can effectively communicate with your colleagues and avoid miscommunication.