how to ask for clarification politely

Did you say that you want to go there alone? If your clarification request isn't covered in the list above, or if you'd prefer to create your own, then use this clarification email template. A salutation followed by the hiring manager's name is common. Thank you for providing the information about [Topic X]. If I don't hear from you by (date/time), I'll give you a call. Kind regards, (Your name) 3. The first thing to remember when asking for clarification is that you can be honest and straightforward. "If I understand you correctly " is a slightly more formal way to check your understanding. For example, if you seek clarification, then you can ask: Could you please explain how to politely ask for clarification? If you do feel compelled to ask before a presenter has reached a point where there is a lull in the presentation or conversation, its very important to raise your hand. *this is very polite) Can you explain what you mean? No one likes to say those words for fear of sounding slow on the uptake. You can contact me on (insert details). The difference between these two phrases is only in how they are grammatically structured, with clarify being a verb and clarification being a noun. Read and listen to these possible responses. Some people struggle to write subject lines, but the easiest thing to do is be upfront about what you want. Writing invoice emails can be tricky and they are often an area where you may need more information and clarification. Now, lets see some English expressions that you can use to respond to someones clarification. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Greet your reader. If you can't find it on our listing of the best email writing tools, you won't need it. However, there can be miscommunication if information or opinion is not clearly expressed or understood. This is a standard clarification email that you can use to request some answers from anyone, including a colleague, customer, client, or professional. Below is a helpful structure, and some phrases, to help you politely get what you want with your clarification emails. Will you please share the total amount again? Would you please repeat what you wanted permission for? Closed Question: Was this experience what you expected? Site design / logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA. Every day, we get engaged in conversations for different purposes. Generally, asking for clarification is not undesirable in most social circles, particularly during long, technical presentations in academic, educational, or professional settings. 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. Likewise, when information is presented via another medium aside from speaking, such as via text, video chat, email, or phone conversation, there is also a possibility that information will become muddled in transit and prompt someone to ask for clarification. See if the information makes sense to someone else. A reference has been provided on how to professionally use for your information. You can edit and adapt these as required to get the necessary information. Thanks, Tannia, for your support! Chris G. For more on this topic, I invite you to subscribe to my YouTube channel where I post many helpful videos for leaders and teams who want to unlock the secrets to stress-free communication. Thanks for the effort you made to explain it again. When you are tasked with providing necessary information to someone, but would like to keep things brief and formal, you can use this phrase to cut to the chase. You can do this by saying "I don't understand" or "I'm not sure I Here are some useful expressions to ask someone to clarify their position or opinion. In other words, who, what, where, when, why, and how. How do you explain something in an email? Scenario #1: When one person is dominating the conversation. Would you mind telling me the whole formula in detail? Katie is a passionate digital nomad working on her first book on the art of communication. Another way to ask for clarification is to let the other person know that you didn't understand them. Heres an example of just to make sure were on the same page being used professionally. Weve all been there: a long meeting, an intense lecture, a complicated sales presentation. Sometimes there can be misunderstandings about dates and times for meetings and appointments. Its my bad. This article will introduce you to some pointers on how to request clarification via email. 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. When It Is Considered Rude to Ask for Clarification, Theres Never a Time to Not Politely Seek Clarification. If your doctor gives you any instructions, you must follow them. WebScore: 4.2/5 (13 votes) . For instance, we can say Im not sure that I agree with that in an aggressive tone, or in an inquisitive tone, and this will impact how the message is received by our listener. Rule #2: Apologize for interrupting. 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?" Here are some expressions to ask for clarification on their requests. Can you elaborate further on what the new training program will include? Asked by Anonymous Mar 3, 2023. Always try to ask open-ended questions while asking for clarification. Lets explore the three tenants of how to ask for clarification politely. To ask for clarification politely, it is essential to use open-ended clarification questions stated in a neutral and inquisitive tone of voice. My goal is to complete [Task A] by Thursday, so this information will help me to get started immediately. Please let me know if I misunderstood. Conversations, email dialogues, and even text messages progress best when everyone has the same understanding. Well learn some expressions to ask for clarification on someones questions. Will you please mention again the name of the items you requested from the store? You may also like: 10 Better Ways To Say Thank You For Clarifying In Emails. You could go with something like: "Hello Bob, from your answer I couldn't understand what you want me to do; I have 2 options, X and Y, could you please be more clear about which one you want me to use?" Start with an explanatory subject line Try to make the subject line of your email clear and self-explanatory. As a freelance consultant, she also supports companies and executives in overcoming communication challenges. 10 Polite Ways To Say "Just To Clarify" (Professional Email) Would you prefer if we go with approach A or B in this situation? 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. For many people, particularly people who arent aural or visual learners, different processing preferences and capabilities make it harder for some people to keep up with conversations. No matter where you are, maybe at home, the office, or somewhere else, you need to respond to questions. Once youve established your current understanding and whats unclear to you, you can ask questions that will help your reader clarify the information. By speaking solely in terms of your own perspective, your listener will be more open to further discussion. I am available for a phone call or meeting if that would be helpful. If you have received a cost-of-living salary increase, keep your email short and polite. Start with a greeting Most professional emails begin with a greeting or a salutation. This FREE e-course will help you let go of your need to keep other people happy and step into your personal power. To ask for clarification politely, it's essential to use open-ended clarification questions stated in a neutral and inquisitive tone of voice. Ah, I see. Lets take a look at some common cases that can come up in our work and personal lives and consider the best ways to respond. Asking somebody to clarify something implies that you understand the broad strokes but want more detail about a particular topic. Tannia is a very authentic person and is able to provide clients powerful and versatile communication tools that can be employed in daily conversations, in negotiations or in meetings. Sometimes we need clarification when we want to get a better handle on where others are coming from. Useful English Phrases for Discussion and Debate. Could/Would/Can you be a bit clearer about it? Please repeat it for me to understand it clearly. WebDepends on the clarification. Mr. Khan is also a passionate writer working on his first book, "Learn English at Ease. (meaning to say it in another way) is appropriate. When you want to ask for more clarification on something, but dont want to seem rude, do I understand allows you to ask for more information and gives others the ability to correct you if necessary without sounding as though they are berating or belittling you. I appreciate your time and your help in clarifying this question. A Guide to Using Plain Language in Writing. Can/Could/Would you please repeat your take on that? How do you get out of a corner when plotting yourself into a corner. Ultimately, who should be responsible for completing. Do I need a thermal expansion tank if I already have a pressure tank? 1 vote 1 answer 18 views. Im sorry, but I couldnt follow your question. Exemplary scenarios include presenting technical manufacturing information for a specific machine, device, or appliance (Ex. The preferred synonym to just to clarify is just to make sure were on the same page. Refresh if you want to submit another email. WebTo write a thank you email for a salary increase, express your gratitude calmly, then ask for clarification on the terms of the increase if you have not already received them. Lets take a look at Sometimes, even though were confused, it is simply because we have not been informed of all of the information that is being presented. In most cases, you can save face by solving your own problem without asking a question to clarify. If I understand you correctly, you want Carolyn to add her SEO changes to the documents marked PENDING in the Google Drive. Such individuals would then feel lost or misinformed simply because they missed when information was presented, making clarification necessary. Before you do this exercise, its a good idea to check out our information on intonation and stress. [1] 2 Be polite but direct in asking about the starting salary. Oops! If you can help me with these questions by the end of the day, I can get started on the project immediately. (A) works with middle managers who want to communicate authentically so they can effectively lead their teams without losing themselves. We can say the exact same thing in two entirely different tones of voice. No worries! WebHow do you politely ask for something? I beg your pardon. Now, here are 9 clarification email samples and a template to show you how to apply these insights. "In response to your request for. Finally, there are some individuals who have trouble paying attention, to begin with, whether because of ADD or ADHD. Clarification Sample Letters How to Write a. What happens if three defenders sack together? Could you give me some more details about? Doctor: You should take this medicine once a day. If the instructions someone sends you are about as clear as furniture assembly instructions written in something other than your native language, youll need to ask for help. I have discussed several situations where you may need to ask for clarification in English. One example is when you are presented with new content that you havent had a chance to review prior to a presentation or conversation. Thank you for your time and for helping me to clarify these questions. Perhaps you find yourself asking for clarification a few times and it feels awkward when you still dont agree with the person. I am available for a phone call or meeting if that would be helpful or more convenient for you. ". Ultimately, using this approach to obtain clarification will not only help to mediate opinions and get individuals on the same page faster it will also help prevent resentment and rifts in business relationships. I was pleased to receive your job offer earlier today. Did you ask me to close the main door or this door? Its an easy phrase used to help break the barrier of communication and make sure everyone has the same information. Could/Would you please put it differently so that it becomes easy for me to understand? "Come in.Whats up?" It also depends on how big the work is, but I think that generally asking for clarification is never a bad idea. I am sorry, but did you say he is the companys CEO? It's a good idea to spell out precisely what information you need. Additionally, when asking for clarification, it is not considered polite if you frame your clarification question in a critical tone. How To Request Clarification Via Email Template. I am sorry, but I couldnt follow your suggestions. Or rather, try to bridge your current understanding so that you can move forward. You should ask for an apology first, as you already have missed what the person said earlier. You can set things straight with this email clarifying the dates if that happens. I want to request you to repeat it, may I? Have you asked for permission to use my laptop? Closed questions always lead to a yes or no answer, and hence, gather limited information. May I ask you to share your suggestions again? Looking for an email writer generator, email helper, or email correction app? How can we prove that the supernatural or paranormal doesn't exist? Sometimes you may not completely understand what WebRule #1: Start by asking for permission to chime in. I am sorry, but I couldnt follow your words.? ", Telling your conversation partner what you think they meant is an effective way to ask for clarification. A thesaurus is your friend here. WebOne option is to politely explain that you didnt understand a part of the message, and ask for the speaker to repeat all of it. Can you clarify some details for me, please? Have a listen: I got it. 2021 Collaborative Solutions | Lead your teams effectively without losing yourself. For example, you could write, "Hello, Ms. Now it is time to write your clarification email. requesting help on restructuring project of our shared client SkyTechlet's discuss details over call or video conferenceyour advice invaluable. Close the email politely and thoughtfully. Have you wanted me to send the emails first, then attend the meeting? Can you go over this area again just so I understand the new changes you want implemented? In such a business situation I would offer my business card and politely ask: "Do you have a card I could have?" Something went wrong while submitting the form. But would you please tell me what would be the best time to take it? In your salutation, use the name that the person emailing you signed off with in their message, or whatever name they used when they introduced themselves if you've already met in person. Thanks for clearly letting me know your opinion; I value whatever you suggest. ?" WebKnowing how to ask for clarification politely is simple with a question like could you please clarify? It shows that youd like someone to add further information to something by clarifying what they mean. 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 Lindsay Lapaquette, M.Sc. When youre writing a professional email, you may find yourself tired of using the phrase just to clarify, but cant come up with any other options, dont worry! Heres an example of how to use for the record in a professional manner. Once someone clarifies something for you, you must appreciate their effort. Before you write an email to clarify something, take another look to review the information and see if there is something that you were missing. ncdu: What's going on with this second size column? I am sorry, but I couldnt follow what you said. Let me know if you need any further clarification or assistance. Use this template to diplomatically seek clarification whenever you get one of these rambly, not-exactly-sure-of-what-this-means email. I'm keen to make a decision this week, so can you provide me with answers by (date)? Below is an example of how to use do I understand professionally. Sample Letters for Request Bank To Clarify Service Charge. It makes the phrase sound a little bit softer and a little more polite. First up, here's a sample email seeking clarification. In such situations, the concern is simply that one needs to be polite when asking a clarification question so that a question can be asked rather than reformatting an impolite question. In fact, guessing and getting it wrong is more likely to cause problems than politely asking for more info. May I ask you to clarify the matter for me/all of us? Now, its time to close the email out on a positive note. Asking clarifying questions shows that you're actively listening and want to understand. Recently, an American client told me that shes really impressed with my English. Just be sure to fill in all the gaps, and proofread before sending. Whether you're meeting with a foreign client, seeing a doctor, or taking an online English lesson, there will be times when you don't understand what the other person just said. Be specific about what you expect to be clarified. We use cookies to analyze site performance and deliver a better experience for visitors. Not sure if this was meant for me. For ESL learners, interrupting someone while someone is talking can Linguix vs. Grammarly: Which AI Writing Assistant Is Value for Money in 2023? Asking For Clarification ENGLISH FORUMS. Whether you are in a formal or informal situation, politeness is the key to a good conversation. Most of the time, your clients are not responding because: They got busy and haven't found the time to write their response to you. Sorry, but I didnt quite catch your statement. If you've been asked to clarify some details, this clarification email reply sample provides a straightforward template to follow. Further, using the conditional mood also indicates that you are not directing the conversation. [1]. Informally You can simply say Sorry? or Come again? with a curious tone to ask someone for clarification. So, you must ask for clarification if you dont understand them. Heres how. 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.. ESL Advice is an online platform for ESL learners and teachers in which an expert team of ESL Teachers shares exclusive tips and advice about the English language.