Speaking on the phone can be more challenging than speaking face to face. You don’t always hear exactly what the other person said.
In order to avoid misunderstandings, it’s important to check and be clear you understand correctly.
In our first video of 2018, Louise and Simon play Kate and Tony, two colleagues making a phone call.
The first part of the video shows what can happen when there is a misunderstanding on the phone. The second part shows you how to use a set of phrases for checking and clarifying to make sure you understand.
Video by Barney
Here are the checking and clarifying phrases they use in their phone call.
| Sorry, Kate could you say that again, please? |
| Sorry, Tony. I didn’t catch that. Could you say it again, please? |
| Sorry, did you say ten thirty or two thirty? |
| Sorry. I can’t hear you , Kate. Can you speak up a little? |
Was this useful for you? Watch our videos and download information about using the International Radio Alphabet to spell words over the phone.
UPDATE (24/03/2018) You can now test your knowledge of the checking and clarifying phrases with this interactive exercise.
If you have any questions about this video, leave a comment below.
Do you need to practise speaking English on the telephone? Send us a message.
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