Stage 6 · Lesson 7 of 7
When someone does not understand you
Sometimes someone will say "Sorry?" or look confused. That is normal in any conversation, between native speakers too, and it is not a judgement on your English. Repair it calmly: say it again more slowly, use a different word, or give an example.
"I mean the cache, the stored copy of the data." In writing, add a short message after a call with key numbers or names. If someone mocks your accent, that says more about them than you; at work, it is fair to raise it with a manager.
Common trapgoing silent for the rest of the meeting after one misunderstanding, when one repair would have fixed it.
A question to check yourself come when you add the roadmap to your account. Add it
Resources for this stage
Start with
- PlatformFreeBBC Learning English
BBC
Free short lessons on pronunciation, stress and everyday English, with transcripts
Practise
Keep handy
Struggling right now? If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, contact local emergency services or a crisis line: Find a helpline (any country), Umang (Pakistan), Tele-MANAS, 14416 (India).