Have you ever nodded in a meeting… but you didn't really understand? You are not alone. Many professionals do this because they feel shy or worried about looking "weak." But nodding costs you more than asking. Later, you send the wrong file, or you miss a deadline.Here is the good news: asking a question does not make you look weak. It makes you look careful. Good professionals ask.<h2 id="32af0a61-be59-4072-af2f-45b3600bda67" data-toc-id="32af0a61-be59-4072-af2f-45b3600bda67" style="text-align: left; font-size: 24px; line-height: 1.2;">Why "Sorry, I don't understand" is not enough</h2>"Sorry, I don't understand" is polite, but it does not tell the other person what you missed. Was it too fast? Was it one word? Was it the whole idea? The speaker has to guess, so they often repeat everything again, the same way, at the same speed.The secret is simple: match the phrase to what you actually missed. Here are 10 phrases in 4 groups.<h2 id="9907843f-ab0d-4c1e-8fbb-18c195116ce3" data-toc-id="9907843f-ab0d-4c1e-8fbb-18c195116ce3" style="text-align: left; font-size: 24px; line-height: 1.2;">Group 1: It was too fast, or you didn't hear</h2><ol><li>"Sorry, could you say that again a little more slowly?" Use this when someone talks too fast. "A little" makes it soft and polite.</li><li>"Sorry, I didn't catch that." "Catch" here means hear. Native speakers say this all the time.</li><li>"Sorry, you cut out for a second. Could you repeat the last part?" Perfect for video calls. It's not your fault, and it's not their fault. It's the internet!</li></ol><h2 id="dbe1f788-7f93-4414-af59-c862707e40a3" data-toc-id="dbe1f788-7f93-4414-af59-c862707e40a3" style="text-align: left; font-size: 24px; line-height: 1.2;">Group 2: You missed one word</h2><ol start="4"><li>"What does ___ mean here?" Say the word back, for example: "What does roll out mean here?" The word "here" asks for the meaning in this situation.</li><li>"Sorry, could you spell that for me?" Use this for names, emails and product names. They are hard for everyone, even native speakers.</li></ol><h2 id="2cc366ce-0373-4a43-bbfa-dd4c4e4c61dd" data-toc-id="2cc366ce-0373-4a43-bbfa-dd4c4e4c61dd" style="text-align: left; font-size: 24px; line-height: 1.2;">Group 3: You missed the meaning</h2><ol start="6"><li>"Just so I understand — you want me to ___?" Say what you think they meant. If you're right, they say "Yes." If you're wrong, they fix it right away.</li><li>"Sorry, I'm not sure I follow. Could you give me an example?" "Follow" means understand step by step. An example makes a big idea small and clear.</li><li>"Could you go back to the part about ___?" Name the topic, and they know exactly where to start.</li></ol><h2 id="e79de85b-f4a0-480c-b983-add83f907e8f" data-toc-id="e79de85b-f4a0-480c-b983-add83f907e8f" style="text-align: left; font-size: 24px; line-height: 1.2;">Group 4: Check it and keep it</h2><ol start="9"><li>"Let me repeat that back to make sure I have it right." Use this for dates, numbers and next steps. Slow down on the numbers — that's where mistakes happen.</li><li>"Could you put that in the chat for me?" On a video call, ask for links, numbers and long names in writing. It helps you, and it helps everyone.</li></ol><h2 id="eff04c14-2f29-4e91-9438-8d87b720835f" data-toc-id="eff04c14-2f29-4e91-9438-8d87b720835f" style="text-align: left; font-size: 24px; line-height: 1.2;">3 common mistakes to avoid</h2><ul><li>Saying "What?" With friends it's fine, but at work it can sound rude. Say "Sorry, I didn't catch that" instead.</li><li>Using only "Sorry, I don't understand." It's not wrong, just not clear. Tell them what you missed.</li><li>Saying "Yes, yes, okay" when you didn't understand. People think you agree, and the problem gets bigger later. Ask now — it's easier now than later.</li></ul><h2 id="8c0a1867-9b69-4dd9-958b-80a4b5fb949b" data-toc-id="8c0a1867-9b69-4dd9-958b-80a4b5fb949b" style="text-align: left; font-size: 24px; line-height: 1.2;">Practice with me</h2>Try these situations. Say your answer out loud before you read the example.<ul><li>Your manager explains the new schedule very fast. Example: "Sorry, could you say that again a little more slowly?"</li><li>A coworker says, "Let's circle back on this next week." Example: "What does circle back mean here?"</li><li>A client says, "It'd be great to see something early next month." Example: "Just so I understand — you'd like a draft by the fifth?"</li></ul>Remember: don't nod. Ask. Asking is not a weakness. It's a skill.<h2 id="4c0c6fd3-7a2a-4820-9b28-287bb33ab3c5" data-toc-id="4c0c6fd3-7a2a-4820-9b28-287bb33ab3c5" style="text-align: left; font-size: 24px; line-height: 1.2;">Watch the full lesson</h2>Watch the full video lesson in the Fluent Connections community, and practice speaking every day with the free Everyday Minute course in the Learn English with Jennifer app:<ul><li>iPhone: <a target="_blank" href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/learn-english-with-jennifer/id6812721754">Download on the App Store</a></li><li>Android: <a target="_blank" href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.english.jennifer">Get it on Google Play</a></li></ul>— Jennifer

Stop nodding when you don't understand. Learn 10 polite, professional English phrases for meetings and video calls, plus 3 common mistakes to avoid.

What to Say When You Don't Understand: 10 Polite English Phrases for Work

Why "Sorry, I don't understand" is not enough

Group 1: It was too fast, or you didn't hear

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What to Say When You Don't Understand: 10 Polite English Phrases for Work

What to Say When You Don't Understand: 10 Polite English Phrases for Work

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