English Conversation: What to Say When You Don't Understand (or You're Searching for a Word)

Learn one of the most important English conversation skills: What to say when you don’t understand, or you’re searching for a word.

When someone asks you a question in English and you don’t understand, what do you do? Many of us freeze. We don’t know what to say. The conversation stops. And we feel silly.
I know that happens to you sometimes. So let’s talk about how to fix it.
 
Today you’re going to learn the same expressions native speakers use when they don’t understand them. And – with my pronunciation tips – you’re also going to learn how to say them more naturally.

So the next time you’re at a business meeting, networking with English-speaking colleagues, or simply making friends, you won’t be the deer in headlights in the conversation. 🙂
(Today’s lesson is focused on professional expressions in English, but these are also perfect to use when you’re talking to someone you don’t know very well. But I did include a little bonus section with slang and information expressions as well.)

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WHAT MY STUDENTS SAY: 

  
 ❞I feel that it is specialized for shy people, or maybe people that feel they are stuck. Annemarie has the tools to improve it. — Monica, Colombia 
 ❞I noticed changes in my pronunciation and my fluency. This is just the beginning of getting my confidence back! — Anne-Laure, France 
 ❞I’m glad that I did Fluency School last year, it helped me overcome the fear of speaking in English & I’m much more confident! — Emilia, Brazil 
 


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COMMON QUESTIONS:
Q: Where are you from? 
A: I’m from the United States but I’ve also lived in Pakistan, the Czech Republic, Germany, and France.

Q: Do you speak another language? 
A: I do! French. 🇫🇷 I lived in France for 4 years.

Q: How can I learn with you? 

WANT TO LEARN WITH ME EVERY WEEK? 

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MY FAVORITE CONFIDENT ENGLISH LESSONS 


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WHY I STARTED SPEAK CONFIDENT ENGLISH

I’m so glad you’re still reading. I want to tell you one important thing—English fluency and confidence are 100% possible for you, even if you feel shy, frustrated, and stuck.

With Speak Confident English, I share strategies, skills, and resources so you can get the English fluency and confidence you need to:

Have conversations, get the job you want

Share your opinions in a business meeting

Make friends easily and start a conversation with anyone in English 

Go to the grocery store without stress

Feel comfortable with any situation—in English.

[franquedamasceno]

Thanks for your tips 💘💝 it's helping me

[JPdynabook]

When you don't understand someone, should you tell them why you don't?
Example: Could you say that again, please? English isn't my native language.