Will you be a bit more specific about your experiences? These experiences have taught Lindsay great lessons about the power of excellent people skills that extend well beyond her professional expertise. Would you be able to confirm some details? Why do many companies reject expired SSL certificates as bugs in bug bounties? However, they become useless if you dont understand or follow them. Do you mind if I ask you to mention his name again? When you ask someone to clarify their position, its better to ask them open-ended questions (WH questionsand Choice/Alternativequestions) rather than closed questions (Yes-Noand Tag questions). Writing invoice emails can be tricky and they are often an area where you may need more information and clarification. Rule #2: Apologize for interrupting. For example, something like: Write an email to my boss asking for a day off of work. Here is some language that you can use. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Have you just suggested calling him when he is home? Would you mind saying what type of permission, written or verbal, you need? Could/Would/Can you be a bit clearer about it? You can use this reference on how let me see if I understand this is used professionally. 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. Another way to ask for clarification is to let the other person know that you didn't understand them. For the record, I would like it known I brought this issue to light weeks before it was a problem. Ultimately, who should be responsible for completing. 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?" If you 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. Use ChatGPT technology to create a magic paragraph or email. Just say: "I'm impressed. 1 Answer. Looking for an email writer generator, email helper, or email correction app? How to follow the signal when reading the schematic? The first thing to remember when asking for clarification is that you can be honest and straightforward. Tips Start with Dear and the persons title and name. There are a few simple steps to follow when youre looking for further explanation. If its a simple item, pick up the phone and call. ." Good Communication Makes You More Valuable. 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. Conversations, email dialogues, and even text messages progress best when everyone has the same understanding. In formulating an answer, you may find they did provide enough details. Can/Could/Would you give me an example, please? Clarification Sample Letters How to Write a. Sorry, but I didnt quite catch your statement. Ask for help: If youre struggling to understand a mechanic, dont hesitate to ask for help. Remember that no matter in which context you are, politeness is the key to a good conversation. Need help nailing down some details about a person, product, project, or appointment? Refresh if you want to submit another email. How to interrupt politely. WebSo, if you need some clarification for what you just heard, you can use phrases like Sorry, what did you mean by that? In a situation where you feel as though you dont have all of the information, whether thats because you missed part of it or it just seems as though theres a gap, using just so I understand gives you the time to go over what you do know and lets others fill in any missing pieces. Formal Sorry, would you mind repeating that? If you liked this post, you might also like: 7 Signs That Your Team Has a Communication Problem, The 4 Foundational Skills for Effective Communication. How do you get out of a corner when plotting yourself into a corner. Asking for clarification. I beg pardon, but can you please repeat what you said about the new product launch? Thank you for explaining the question to me. "If I understand you correctly " is a slightly more formal way to check your understanding. You mean you need some books from the library, isnt it? The best way to ensure that you come across as polite is if you use Please and Thank You when speaking. Its an easy phrase used to help break the barrier of communication and make sure everyone has the same information. Youd like to ask for clarification, but youre not sure how in a polite way. Just to be clear, my working hours are 8am-4pm and you will be unable to contact me outside those hours for work-related purposes. So, do you really think this will be a profitable deal? However, it would be best to ask for clarification when you dont get someones statement or information. Could you please repeat the date of the event? Scenario #2: When the conversation gets sidetracked. To clarify, the key is to keep things simple, provide all details you need, and remember you're dealing with a real person. Make sure to add a sign-off (thanks, kind regards, etc. Ah, I see. Are there tables of wastage rates for different fruit and veg? For such individuals, paying attention to lengthy topics, particularly if it is not an area of interest, will be ineffective and there is a high chance that such individuals will be distracted at some point. 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. Theres an emergency you need to deal with." Reframing your request into "for the greater good" makes it much more digestible to follow up with. As a freelance consultant, she also supports companies and executives in overcoming communication challenges. You'll also hear native speakers say "If I understood you correctly." I learned that if two players sack cooperatively, each defender gets 0.5 sacks in their statistics. When It Is Considered Rude to Ask for Clarification, Theres Never a Time to Not Politely Seek 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. Rule #3: Mind the timing and the relevancy. Can you repeat it? Could you rephrase your question, please? Now pretend I don't know anything about how that works. Lindsays approach has been profoundly influenced by her work with First Nations organizations, her experience as a parent to two children with pervasive mental health challenges, and the premature loss of both of her parents. Just be sure to fill in all the gaps, and proofread before sending. These experiences have taught Lindsay great lessons about the power of excellent people skills that extend well beyond her professional expertise. Many in attendance are often grateful that someone asks any clarification questions as they are too embarrassed to ask themselves! Either. Would/Could you please repeat what you said about the issue? I beg your pardon. Otherwise, you'll have established a better understanding for what you need to know, and you can put that to the researchers. Can you go over this area again just so I understand the new changes you want implemented? Doctor: You should take this medicine once a day. Closed Question: So, you felt Bobs approach was too disruptive? 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. Using this phrase, you can include all the instructions youve been given and make sure they are correct. Here's a helpful thank you template for email clarification. It allows you to ask if youve got the right information, but it also allows you to check-in with other people to make sure they understand the information youve given them. Is it possible to rotate a window 90 degrees if it has the same length and width? If it's critical you get a response, you can offer to follow up. Saying something like Thats just stupid! or How can you say that? makes it seem that the presenter has no idea what she or he is talking about. Bullet points are a great way to share information, Insert your questions/clarification request. ?" Could/Would you please put it differently so that it becomes easy for me to understand? Show enthusiasm for the position. <-- This is a past question A: Try plugging your phone into the charger for an hour and then turn it on. Im not sure when youd like me to start adding the copy to the development website. I have discussed several situations where you may need to ask for clarification in English. How can we prove that the supernatural or paranormal doesn't exist? We've outlined the process to create clarification emails. Get the Ebook, Succeed in 101 Situations! in a polite way? We hope that our clarification email guide provides some simple guidelines to follow. Show that you appreciate them taking the additional time to review the email, and describe how the information will help achieve the goal. If I don't hear from you by (date/time), I'll give you a call. Can you repeat the ways I have to do it? Those suggestions sometimes are too important in our professional and personal life. Kind regards, (Your name) 3. In this situation, you may need to ask them to repeat, explain or clarify their position. If you've been asked to clarify some details, this clarification email reply sample provides a straightforward template to follow. Useful English Phrases for Discussion and Debate. Could we connect on this issue before the meeting at 2PM tomorrow? Suppose you just received a prescription from the doctor after the diagnosis. Be non-accusatory. This phrase indicates that you are clearly trying to be polite, as please and thank you are reserved for polite, formal speech. Establish your credibility. Asking clarifying questions shows that youre actively listening and want to understand. Here are some expressions to ask for clarification when someone asks for your permission. Im glad that you specifically explained the issue. Most often, when it comes to being perceived as polite when seeking clarification, the concern is heightened by those asking for clarification. *Its better to use Past, not Present. Open Question: When did you first notice that it was a challenge working with him? I didnt quite catch it. Sometimes you may not completely understand what You need to create a clarification email. Not sure if this was meant for me. Asking somebody to clarify something Before accepting, you may want clarification about the terms and conditions or the salary. Ask Question Asked 6 years, 9 months ago Modified 6 years, 9 months ago Viewed 3k times 1 This is a When someone asks for permissionfor something from you, you may not always listen to them appropriately. You got this! Have you just said you will go to Coxs Bazar next week? While we communicate with others, we exchange information and opinion. As AI is developing and being used in different sectors, writers are also using them to avoid unexpected grammatical errors or typos. On many occasions, you may not receive the exact information for many reasons. An example where it would be appropriate to use this phrase would be when you want to discuss a topic with someone and you check in on them and their progress to make sure they are working off of the correct information. 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. Recently, an American client told me that shes really impressed with my English. Janet opened the door and smiled slightly. Sometimes we need clarification when we want to get a better handle on where others are coming from. Writing, grammar, and communication tips for your inbox. Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused. Patient: Thanks, doctor. 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, Both phrases can be used interchangeably, as they have the same meaning. See if the information makes sense to someone else. Here is a great example of how to use just to be clear professionally in an email. Site design / logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA. Monitoring your tone of voice is a key element of learning to ask for clarification politely. Well! How important it may become at times to ask for clarification. Make your email easy to read. A great way to ask for clarification is by using do I understand, allowing you to go over the information by showing youre paying attention and asking for clarity. Each intonation 2. Grammarly stands with our friends, colleagues, and family in Ukraine, and with all people of Ukraine. May I ask you to clarify your position on this? 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. . Thanks for ". 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 You should not blame someone else if you dont understand the other persons words. A thesaurus is your friend here. It can help ensure that whatever youre saying does not come across in a way that is not intended. When asking for clarification, it is essential to choose an appropriate time, such as a Q&A session after a presentation. Use a call to action to clarify the next steps. It appears there has been a breakdown in communication. [Survey] Is It Rude to Say Please and Thank You at the Same Time? Needing clarification is not a bad thing, and understanding Now well learn some very useful expressions that you can use to politely ask for clarification in English. I am sorry, but I couldnt follow your words.? 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. [1] 2 Be polite but direct in asking about the starting salary. By speaking solely in terms of your own perspective, your listener will be more open to further discussion. Do roots of these polynomials approach the negative of the Euler-Mascheroni constant? 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. Please find re-attached for your convenience. 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. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. DeFrank." Even if you dont quite understand what they are trying to communicate, express your thanks to them for their time and effort. There are more ways to give and receive clarification while still maintaining your professionalism. Heres an example to show you how it works: Dear Ms. Browne, Could you please clarify whether this is correct? To create a follow-up email, follow these steps: 1. 2021 Collaborative Solutions | Lead your teams effectively without losing yourself. The phrase just making sure is a great alternative to just to clarify, as it is more relaxed. So, if there is any confusion about instructions, make sure you ask for clarification. Closed Question: Was this experience what you expected? Some people struggle to write subject lines, but the easiest thing to do is be upfront about what you want. Thanks for sending over your directions for implementing the new website copy. When it comes to the proper format for asking a clarification question or seeking clarification, the key is to use basic rules of etiquette. It would be best if you took it in the morning before the meal. Youve explained the situation and asked for clarification so that you can solve a problem. When someone expresses their opinion, you may not clearly understand what they mean or what their position about the matter is. If I understand you correctly, you want Carolyn to add her SEO changes to the documents marked PENDING in the Google Drive. When it comes to the proper time to ask a question, many presenters or lecturers will ask questions periodically during their presentations or at the end of the presentation. Otherwise, you may not do it properly what you are instructed for. Doubling the cube, field extensions and minimal polynoms. Here are some tips on asking for favors: Be direct but polite. Can you please be a bit more specific about the price? Many of us have a gap in communication at work or with a business or provider, but writing a request for clarification can sometimes be a scary prospect. Then what happens if three players make a sack together? May I ask you to say the things again that you requested earlier? In each case, you want to push for the information you need in a polite way to avoid damaging your relationships. State what the speaker has said as you understand it, and check whether this is what they really said. The clarification email format should be no surprise if you're already used to writing professional messages. Youre a busy person, so here is a template you can use right away. Just to clarify can be a phrase some view as intimidating, as they may feel you are doubting them or acting as though you are above them. It only takes a minute to sign up. By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. So if you ask someone to "break down" something they said, you ask them to explain it part by part. It starts with a simple subject line. 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. Here's an example showing how Flowrite can write a formal request for you from a few instructions: Clarification emails are simple to write as long as you stick to the structure and focus on the outcomes. Be polite while asking. Usually the information you seek is written on the card. Would you mind sharing the suggestion again? 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. 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 You can set things straight with this email clarifying the dates if that happens. Could you please vs Would you please? ?". Perhaps you find yourself asking for clarification a few times and it feels awkward when you still dont agree with the person. Have you ever experienced a meeting where somebody is explaining something, but for the life of you, you cannot even begin to understand their point of view? I am sorry, but I couldnt follow your suggestions. What To Include In An Email For Clarification Thank The Sender For The Information State Your Current Understanding Acknowledge that you need clarification. Have you ever found it challenging to interrupt someone to express your opinion, make suggestions, or ask for further information? If you need extra information from a candidate, this clarification email after an interview provides the ideal structure. Write a clear subject line, or respond directly to the email you wish to clarify. How do you explain something in an email? The best questions are open-ended. 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. I am sorry, but did you say he is the companys CEO? Rule #4: Raise your (virtual) hand. Still, you may feel like youre being rude if you ask for clarification on the schedule, format, and personal perceptions of those in attendance. 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?" Using phrases such as Im sorry or Excuse me when asking for clarification indicates a participatory tone that simply seeks better understanding. May I? Can I? and Could I? are three of the most common expressions in English used to ask for permission. Would you please repeat it? 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. Also known as clarification letters, clarification emails are used to get the information required to move forward. To ask for clarification politely, it is essential to use open-ended clarification questions stated in a neutral and inquisitive tone of voice. Whoops! In most cases, you can save face by solving your own problem without asking a question to clarify. Now, lets learn some expressions that native speakers of English commonly use to ask for clarification. If you'd like to send in a quote for the article, please share your answer to the following question and explain your reasoning behind it. 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. Ask for help: If youre struggling to understand a mechanic, dont hesitate to ask for help. Asking for clarification or something else is fast using artificial intelligence. And yet, we all have times in our personal and professional lives when we dont thoroughly understand what someone else is trying to tell us. Be polite, and use languages that focus the situation on you and not the other person. Would you please repeat what you wanted permission for? Rule #4: Raise your (virtual) hand. Sometimes, even though were confused, it is simply because we have not been informed of all of the information that is being presented. 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. Say that you didnt understand rather than saying that the other person could not clarify it.