Lets explore the three tenants of how to ask for clarification politely. ?" I am sorry, but did you say he is the companys CEO? Learn how to write request emails that get results with our in-depth guide. You can use this any time further clarification is needed. Thank you for providing the detailed information about [Topic X]. If you Scenario #2: When the conversation gets sidetracked. This article breaks down the process of writing request emails for information, documents, contact details, favors and more. You'll learn how to structure email clarifications, what to include, and see how it works with 9 examples and a template. Can you elaborate further on what the new training program will include? Use ChatGPT technology to create a magic paragraph or email. Say that you didnt understand rather than saying that the other person could not clarify it. We thoroughly test different courses, books, learning materials, etc., and recommend only the bests. If you're reading this post, you probably want to improve your English conversation skills, and the best way to do that is by having actual conversations. For example, if you seek clarification, then you can ask: Could you please explain how to politely ask for clarification? Did you mean? Email format guide 6 examples & templates. Asking clarifying questions shows that you're actively listening and want to understand. Some time in your elementary school life, you may have had a teacher who said, The only stupid question is the one you dont ask. That stock teacher phrase couldnt make things any clearerits okay to ask for an explanation if you dont understand. Otherwise, you may not do it properly what you are instructed for. For many people, asking for clarification is incredibly embarrassing, while others may find themselves disrupting the flow of the conversation in an attempt to clarify a statement only to receive scorn from those around them. Here is a great example of how to use just to be clear professionally in an email. [1]: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/bring-science-home-speaking-memory/, [2]: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/data.html, [3]: https://hbr.org/2015/03/relearning-the-art-of-asking-questions. ?". (A) works with middle managers who want to communicate authentically so they can effectively lead their teams without losing themselves. If I understand you correctly, you want Carolyn to add her SEO changes to the documents marked PENDING in the Google Drive. There are different ways you can ask for clarification in English. These experiences have taught Lindsay great lessons about the power of excellent people skills that extend well beyond her professional expertise. To avoid that loop, start by explaining what you do understand and ask whether you have it right. Then refer to a specific aspect: Could you please explain once again why A is so important for B?. The phrase just making sure is a great alternative to just to clarify, as it is more relaxed. Would you say that again, please? & I am afraid I didnt quite catch that. ", Telling your conversation partner what you think they meant is an effective way to ask for clarification. When you ask someone to clarify something for you, it suggests that you are following what the person is saying and understand the majority or all of the key points, but you need more details on a certain point. However, on many occasions, you may also need to use closed questions as well. I am available for a phone call or meeting if that would be helpful or more convenient for you. Have a listen: I got it. A tendency to avoid asking too many questions leads many people to avoid asking for clarification altogether because of a fear of being perceived as disruptive. Once again, clarification would be necessary. Using phrases such as Im sorry or Excuse me when asking for clarification indicates a participatory tone that simply seeks better understanding. Today, we'll introduce 10 polite English expressions for requesting clarification. You should ask for an apology first, as you already have missed what the person said earlier. . Your new game-changing quick reference tool is just a click away. By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. Include your contact details and how they can get in touch with you. When it comes to the proper format for asking a clarification question or seeking clarification, the key is to use basic rules of etiquette. ", Instead of saying "I don't understand," you can also just say "I'm (a little) confused. Katie is a passionate digital nomad working on her first book on the art of communication. I learned that if two players sack cooperatively, each defender gets 0.5 sacks in their statistics. Exemplary scenarios include presenting technical manufacturing information for a specific machine, device, or appliance (Ex. Just to make sure were on the same page, all reports are to be completed by Tuesday. Write emails and messages faster across Google Chrome. Can you repeat the ways I have to do it? Thanks, Tannia, for your support! Chris G. How to follow the signal when reading the schematic? Grammarly stands with our friends, colleagues, and family in Ukraine, and with all people of Ukraine. Thanks for sending over your directions for implementing the new website copy. During these periods, it is best to ask a question as this will allow you to digest whatever information has been presented. When asking for clarification, the key to being polite is to embrace the opposite of the principles noted above: Ask at the proper time, use a polite format and present your question in a genuine and sincere manner. Could you rephrase what you just said to me about the problem? WebWhen using clarification follow these guidelines to help aid communication and understanding. Could I ask for clarification on? Thank you! May I ask you to clarify your position on this? 1 vote 1 answer 18 views. Closed Question: Was this experience what you expected? You need more information to fully understand what they mean, but the other person is getting irritated with all of your questions? Interrupting to ask for clarification. Join a clan or community group specifically for raid novices, or ask your team members for clarification. Establish your credibility. Now, its time to close the email out on a positive note. I appreciate your detailed explanation, however, I am unclear about which approach we should follow. Otherwise, you'll have established a better understanding for what you need to know, and you can put that to the researchers. These experiences have taught Lindsay great lessons about the power of excellent people skills that extend well beyond her professional expertise. Are you aware of how your tone of voice conveys different messages? Be clear about your current understanding. Why do many companies reject expired SSL certificates as bugs in bug bounties? In each case, you want to push for the information you need in a polite way to avoid damaging your relationships. Make sure that you actually need clarification. 2021 Collaborative Solutions | Lead your teams effectively without losing yourself. Once someone clarifies something for you, you must appreciate their effort. WebScore: 4.2/5 (13 votes) . However, if the instruction is unclear, you may need to ask for clarification so you can take medicine properly. Would you please repeat it? Try These Expressions in a Real Conversation. She should leave her changes as suggestions. Its my bad. Further, using the conditional mood also indicates that you are not directing the conversation. You got this! Practice the mechanics: Many of the mechanics youll encounter in a raid can also be found in other activities. WebGeneral rules on how to politely interrupt in a meeting Rule #1: Start by asking for permission to chime in Rule #2: Apologize for interrupting Rule #3: Mind the timing and the relevancy Rule #4: Raise your (virtual) hand How to interrupt politely in a meeting Scenario #1: When one person is dominating the conversation Needing clarification is not a bad thing, and understanding * Could you please be more specific? It's a good idea to spell out precisely what information you need. Not sure if this was meant for me. Informally You can simply say Sorry? or Come again? with a curious tone to ask someone for clarification. Simply say thank you and move on. When it comes to the proper format for asking a clarification question or seeking clarification, the key is to use basic rules of etiquette. WebHow to Ask for Clarification Politely Collaborative Solutions 338 subscribers 329 views 3 years ago Have you ever experienced a meeting where somebody is explaining something, WebSample Email Asking Clarification From Client This is likewise one of the factors by obtaining the soft documents of this Sample Email Asking Clarification From how to ask for clarification politely collaborative solutions web here are a Use this template to diplomatically seek clarification whenever you get one of these rambly, not-exactly-sure-of-what-this-means email. Im not sure when youd like me to start adding the copy to the development website. Here we give you 5 tips and provide 4 example emails to help you write better help request emails. I wish you good health. Get the Ebook, Succeed in 101 Situations! WebClarifying What You Heard, Asking Someone to Repeat Themselves, and Confirming Your Understanding Communication Skills: Express Yourself Clearly Get Your Number Stress Right: How to Pronounce Numbers Clearly in English The Power of Pitch: Change Your Tone for Better Stress and Intonation in English ". [Survey] Is It Rude to Say Please and Thank You at the Same Time? Depending on the audience and the topic, you can also ask for clarification by simply asking a question, such as: Why is the hypotenuse important for a triangle?. If you have received a cost-of-living salary increase, keep your email short and polite. Let me see if I understand this; you want to create a proposal which would limit our available staff positions for hire? Be specific about what you expect to be clarified. ?" Sample Letters for Request Bank To Clarify Service Charge. It can be used very formally, or it can be used with a subtle undertone of disdaine and attitude while still providing information. A Guide to Using Plain Language in Writing. Heres an example of how to use for the record in a professional manner. So, to understand the request, on many occasions, you may need to ask for clarification. Its time to stop letting conflict rule your life and learn to use your resentment to fuel change. Introduction. It can help ensure that whatever youre saying does not come across in a way that is not intended. I beg pardon, but can you please repeat what you said about the new product launch? Write emails for work the way you would a standard letter. Admit if you are unsure about what the speaker means. If you're facing a deadline, you should always include details about when you need to receive answers. Sometimes we need clarification when we want to get a better handle on where others are coming from. This FREE e-course will help you let go of your need to keep other people happy and step into your personal power. Would you prefer if we go with approach A or B in this situation? We use cookies to analyze site performance and deliver a better experience for visitors. May I ask you to explain your observation about the new design further? ? Click here for 1:1 customized coaching programs that will help you achieve your career goals faster. It makes the phrase sound a little bit softer and a little more polite. Doctor: Oh, sure. How to agree/disagree. If you ever have a question and wish to seek clarification, using the proper timing, format and intention will ensure that your question comes across as the perfect clarification question to help everyone see more clearly. In doing so, you will be perceived as non-accusatory and therefore, not threatening. Always consider the setting: formal and informal. Looking for clarification? I couldnt follow what you said about it. The clarification email structure is still the same, but we can assume your boss is already on top of the details. Could you please repeat the date of the event? If you are wanting to ask for clarification politely, blaming the other person is definitely not the way to go. You have been successfully subscribed to the Grammarly blog. Ask Question Asked 6 years, 9 months ago Modified 6 years, 9 months ago Viewed 3k times 1 This is a I have discussed several situations where you may need to ask for clarification in English. It would be best if you took it in the morning before the meal. Can you repeat it? Tips Start with Dear and the persons title and name. car, washing machine, telephone) to a sales department or someone involved in procurement. Now, here are 9 clarification email samples and a template to show you how to apply these insights. To create a follow-up email, follow these steps: 1. If I don't hear from you by (date/time), I'll give you a call. Otherwise, you'll have established a better understanding for what you need to know, and you can put that to the researchers. Use open, non-directive questions - if appropriate. If we want to make sure that someone has understood, you can request confirmation that someone has Ask for help: If youre struggling to understand a mechanic, dont hesitate to ask for help. Have you ever found it challenging to interrupt someone to express your opinion, make suggestions, or ask for further information? People will understand that you are simply seeking to gain the clarification that you need to better understand the situation at hand and will be more willing to engage with you. link to Linguix vs. Grammarly: Which AI Writing Assistant Is Value for Money in 2023? Rule #3: Mind the timing and the relevancy. Dont cross the line. Before you do, ask yourself why you think the authors did not provide enough details. Thanks for You must not behave and speak in a formal setting as you do in an informal one. Asking For Clarification ENGLISH FORUMS. Will you please explain the question to me? WebHow do you politely ask for something? Web1. Below is a helpful structure, and some phrases, to help you politely get what you want with your clarification emails. If someone is kind enough to provide the answers you need when you need them, it's polite to say thank you. "As per your request. Sometimes you may not completely understand what Closed Question: Did you always feel that it was a challenge working with him? *this is very polite) Can you explain what you mean? Could/Would you please put it differently so that it becomes easy for me to understand? Just be sure to fill in all the gaps, and proofread before sending. The first thing you should do is thank the sender for providing the information. How do you ask for clarification? Messaging your boss or manager is slightly different from the formal format we use above. Which form is more polite and more acceptable for correspondence? After the person clarifies themselves, you can let them know that you now understand and are thankful. Is it correct to use "the" before "materials used in making buildings are"? In formulating an answer, you may find they did provide enough details. Rule #4: Raise your (virtual) hand. About an argument in Famine, Affluence and Morality, A limit involving the quotient of two sums. Finally, there are some individuals who have trouble paying attention, to begin with, whether because of ADD or ADHD. requesting help on restructuring project of our shared client SkyTechlet's discuss details over call or video conferenceyour advice invaluable. Would approach A or B be more helpful here? Sorry? Both are fine options, but if we're being pedantic, they mean slightly different things. Ask for repetition. Learn more about us here. As a former Speech Language Pathologist, Lindsay applies her expertise in the neuroscience of communication and connection to help managers foster an environment of trust and respect in their teams, so that everyone can bring their best selves to work. Doubling the cube, field extensions and minimal polynoms. There are times when we ask for suggestions from the people surrounding us. Stack Exchange network consists of 181 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow, the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers. Its an easy phrase used to help break the barrier of communication and make sure everyone has the same information. So, how do you politely ask for clarification in English? Write emails & messages faster than ever with our AI writing assistant, Get the best resources for professional communication & productivity. However, if you dont understand them, you should ask them to clarify. "In response to your request for. Then, if youre still not clear on something, its time to write an email to ask for clarification. If such individuals are not already familiar with the technical background relative to the specific topic, those in attendance may have difficulty following along with the conversation. Simply say thank you and move on. Follow the format, keep things clear, and always include your contact details! We can split clarification emails into three parts. link to 50 Polite Ways to Interrupt Someone in English. Heres what it might look like. Well! Remember, technical skills get you hired, but soft skills get you promoted. In such a business situation I would offer my business card and politely ask: "Do you have a card I could have?" When someone asks you to re-explain a complicated task, your first inclination is probably to say, Wait, what? Put the question in the first or second sentence. 03 Mar 2023 13:44:40 Read on below the template to learn why each section is important, and for additional tips and useful information so you can make sure that your email comes across well. Taking into account that GPT-3 models have no parameter that enables memorization of past conversations, it seems the only way at the moment to "memorize" past conversations is to include past conversations in the prompt. Could you please repeat it? are the common formal ways of asking someone for clarification in English. Start with a greeting Most professional emails begin with a greeting or a salutation. May I know what you just wanted permission for.? Next, state your current understanding of the situation. It appears there has been a breakdown in communication. Even if you dont quite understand what they are trying to communicate, express your thanks to them for their time and effort. You may not respond or help them accordingly if you dont understand. In doing so, you will be perceived as non-accusatory and therefore, not threatening. Q&A Answertion. Doctor: Youre welcome. Perhaps you find yourself asking for clarification a few times and it feels awkward when you still dont agree with the person. You can set things straight with this email clarifying the dates if that happens. Could/Would/Can you be a bit clearer about it? You can do this by saying "I don't understand" or "I'm not sure I Just say: "I'm impressed. Let the person know if you dont quite grasp the issue or if you only understand part of it. Sorry, one more time? Once youve established your current understanding and whats unclear to you, you can ask questions that will help your reader clarify the information. What do you think about somebody/something. Here are seven phrases for using your opening lines to imply that your email is a reply or response: "Thank you for your email regarding. The best questions are open-ended. What I meant was. Good Communication Makes You More Valuable. As a former Speech-Language Pathologist, Lindsay applies her expertise in the neuroscience of communication and connection to help managers foster an environment of trust and respect in their teams, so that everyone can bring their best selves to work. I wonder if you can say it in a different way for me/us. ?" Learn how to format emails and get your point across in a professional manner by checking out these 6 common email formats. Lindsay Lapaquette, M.Sc. Depending on the circumstances, it may be necessary to respectfully inform the other party that their understanding of the situation is incorrect, or to seek clarification for By speaking solely in terms of your own perspective, your listener will be more open to further discussion. If you need extra information from a candidate, this clarification email after an interview provides the ideal structure. Some people struggle to write subject lines, but the easiest thing to do is be upfront about what you want. (A) works with middle managers who want to communicate authentically so they can effectively lead their teams without losing themselves. For your information is a phrase you can use when you want it to be clear to all that you are going to provide information. You can edit and adapt these as required to get the necessary information. Could you give me some more details about? An example is provided below on the professional usage of just so I understand. Asking somebody to explain something implies that you don't know anything about the topic and want the person to teach you. Asking somebody to clarify something "Come in.Whats up?" You want me to explain the whole thing all over again? This dynamic can create a frustrating feedback loop for both parties. As we are independently owned, the recommendations made here are our own. Is it possible to elaborate on what you said right now? Recent surveys suggest that over 6 million children under the age of 17 in the US alone exhibit some form of attention deficit disorder. When a situation comes up and no one can seem to agree on what has happened, using for the record is a great way to state your information quickly and concisely or ask for someone elses information directly. Very often, someone might ask a question during a presentation and the presenter will respond If you wait a bit, I will explain the answer to that question.. Thanks, you cared. Have a conversation before sending an email. Welcome to Grammarhow!We are on a mission to help you become better at English. If it's not the subject that's not being understood, but the explanation of it (that is, the misunderstanding is in the delivery), "could you rephrase that?" Please send your invoice for all work from our most recent contract to [email protected] and CC me. Leadership communication skills to elevate team performance. Here are some examples of subject lines to consider: Final report submission Clarification regarding project deadline Extension request for submitting the presentation Thank you for your support and guidance 3. Whenever confusing, lengthy, or multi-part topics are presented, there is a high probability that someone will have missed some of the information shared, prompting someone to seek clarification on the topic. So, you must request them to do this favor for you. I was just making sure you had received all of the current information regarding the upcoming project. If you need any other information, please let me know. Here are some tips on asking for favors: Be direct but polite. Very often, a presenter will use this period to summarize whatever information has been presented, particularly if a question seeks clarification of a specific topic, so asking a clarification question will help to guide the lecturers attempt to explain what was presented. What do I do? To clarify, you want, correct? Using this formal speech helps to indicate that you are sincere in your desire to understand what the speaker is saying, which is the basis for asking for clarification. Would you please tell me your thoughts about the issue again? Kind regards, (Your name) 3. The difference between just to clarify and just for clarification is fairly small. Grammarly For MS Office - HereS How to Ask For Clarification from So Sorry I couldnt follow you earlier. Both the past and present tense are acceptable. Still, you may feel like youre being rude if you ask for clarification on the schedule, format, and personal perceptions of those in attendance. Monitoring your tone of voice is a key element of learning to ask for clarification politely. This article will introduce you to some pointers on how to request clarification via email. WebPolite Speech Requesting Clarification Postscript. Also, you could talk to the person to clarify before sending a formal email, because sometimes its difficult to convey the true meaning through an email. I am available for a phone call or meeting if that would be helpful. Do I need a thermal expansion tank if I already have a pressure tank? Suppose you just received a prescription from the doctor after the diagnosis. Before accepting, you may want clarification about the terms and conditions or the salary. Moreover, it will imply that you think you already know what the answer is, even though you need clarification! Your help will go a long way in helping to resolve [issue]. The first thing to remember when asking for clarification is that you can be honest and straightforward. Ask for specific examples. You can use this reference on how let me see if I understand this is used professionally. Its also a great way to allow someone else to add more information they may have forgotten. There was an error and we couldn't process your subscription.