OTHER WAYS TO SAY "I DON'T UNDERSTAND"

Summary

This video offers alternative expressions to communicate confusion without directly saying 'I don't understand.' It presents three formal phrases for clarity in various settings and four informal expressions for casual conversations. Additionally, it includes pronunciation tips to enhance understanding and idiomatic expressions that convey confusion creatively. The aim is to equip viewers with effective communication tools, fostering confidence and reducing the embarrassment often associated with misunderstanding. This engaging approach encourages learners to practice these phrases in daily interactions, enhancing their conversational skills.

Takeaways

• 😀 The lesson focuses on alternative expressions to convey 'I don't understand' in daily conversations.
• 📚 Using phrases like 'I'm sorry, I don't understand that. Could you say that again?' helps avoid the negative connotation of saying 'I don't understand.'
• 🔄 Alternatives to 'I don't understand' include: 'I didn't catch everything you said; could you please repeat the last part again?'
• 🔄 Other effective phrases are: 'I want to make sure I understand you perfectly, so could you say that one more time?' and 'I'm not 100% sure I understood everything you said; would you mind saying it one more time?'
• 👂 Informal expressions like 'Sorry, what did you say?' or 'Excuse me?' can also be used in casual settings.
• 🎤 Pronunciation is crucial; for example, the intonation differs between 'sorry' (to indicate confusion) and 'I'm sorry' (to apologize).
• 🌀 Idioms can be useful in informal contexts to express confusion, such as 'I can't make heads or tails of what you're saying.'
• 📡 Another idiom is 'I think our wires are crossed,' indicating a misunderstanding or miscommunication.
• 🥗 The phrase 'everything you said is just a bunch of salad' suggests the speaker is rambling without clarity.
• 😵 Using humor, like saying 'that was as clear as mud,' can lighten the conversation while expressing confusion.

Q & A

What is the main topic discussed in the video?

The main topic is alternative expressions to say 'I don't understand' in conversation.

Why does the speaker suggest using alternative phrases instead of 'I don't understand'?

The speaker suggests using alternatives to avoid appearing as a poor communicator or to maintain respect and avoid embarrassment.

Can you list three formal expressions to indicate lack of understanding?

1. 'I didn’t catch everything you said; could you please repeat the last part again?' 2. 'I want to make sure I understand you perfectly, so could you say that one more time?' 3. 'I'm not 100% sure I understood everything you said; would you mind saying it one more time?'

What are some informal expressions mentioned for asking for clarification?

Some informal expressions include 'Sorry, what did you say?' and 'Excuse me?'.

What is the significance of intonation in expressing confusion?

Intonation is important as it changes the meaning; a rising intonation indicates a request for clarification, while a flat intonation signals an apology.

What does the idiom 'I can't make heads or tails of what you're saying' mean?

This idiom means that someone is confused and unable to understand what is being communicated.

What does the phrase 'I think our wires are crossed' imply?

It implies a miscommunication or misunderstanding between two people.

How does the speaker suggest using idioms in conversation?

The speaker suggests using idioms to add humor or creativity when communicating with close friends or colleagues.

What does the expression 'everything you said is just a lot of salad' convey?

This expression describes a situation where someone's speech is chaotic or confusing, making it difficult to understand.

What overall message does the speaker want to convey through these alternative expressions?

The speaker encourages using these alternative expressions and idioms to enhance communication skills and make interactions smoother.