TIPS: How to Communicate Well

TIPS: How to Communicate Well

Having a conversation in English does not mean that you have to produce perfectly formed sentences all the time. You should not worry that you might not know the exact word for something, or that you might not understand the meaning of everything that the other person says. Even in an exam situation, you will be given credit for using strategies to keep the conversation running smoothly despite any gaps in your vocabulary or your understanding. Here are some useful to help you in everyday conversation or in more formal situations.

When you don't understand

When you are talking to someone in English, you may not understand everything they say, but you can practice focusing on what is important. If you are asking for information, think about the key words that you will expect to hear (for example, if you ask about prices or times, be prepared for numbers in the answer). Repeat it back to them to make sure you have understood correctly.

Here are some useful phrases:

Saying that you don't understand

Sorry, I don't (quite) understand.

I beg your pardon?

Sorry, I'm not sure I understand what you're saying

Asking for repetition

Sorry, I wonder if you could repeat that, please?

Sorry, what did you say your name was again?

Sorry, I missed what you said about meal time - can you call me again?

Asking someone to speak more slowly

Can you speak more slowly, please?

Could you slow down a bit?

Sorry, that was too fast foe me.

Checking that you understood correctly

Have I understood you correctly - did you say five-fifty?

Do you mean 'frozen', as in very cold?

Asking what something means

Sorry, can you tell me what 'gasket' means?

What is Plasticine, exactly?

Asking how you spell something

Could you spell that for me, please?

I haven't heard that name before - how do you spell it?

When you don't know how to say something

Think about those words that are often used in dictionary definitions: a type of..., a kind of..., a device for..., an organization that..., a person who... They will help you explain what you mean even when you don't know exact word.

Saying it another way

We saw a kind of animal with a long nose.

It's something you make with eggs.

Saying that you don't know

I don't know how to say this in English - in Indonesian, we say....

Asking for translation

What is the English equivalent of 'warung'?

How do you say 'kakak ipar' in English?

Explaining an idea from your language

I don't think there's an exact equivalent in English.

Roughly speaking, 'galau' means when you feel sad for someone or something.

In my country, we normally say 'Assalamualaikum' when we visiting someone's house. (It is a greeting in Islam which means Peace be upon you)

Suggesting a change of topic

Look, I really can't think how to explain it - perhaps we should move on?

This is too difficult for me to talk in English.

When you make a mistake

We all make mistakes when we speak, even in our own language, but it need not cause a problem if we can find a way to explain what we really meant. We also need time to think about what we are going to say, but there are expressions that we can use to gain time we do so:

Words you can use while thinking

.....you know....

Now let me think....

.....what's the word for it?

.....how shall I put it?.....

Correcting yourself

No, I meant... .... or rather...

That's not exactly what I meant.

Sorry, I was trying to say price, not prize.

Semoga bermanfaat^^