（2014-10-31）【行銷人的英文課】重新確認對方的意思，是在商用英文會話中，很重要的細節。怎麼做就能讓你的錯誤有效減少?
《Confirm to ensure understanding》
（文╱Robert Tolmasoff）Remember to confirm your understanding of what someone else said, especially when discussing important details. This is a very easy process and just takes a few seconds.
For example, if you are talking with a client about a project you are working on together, you want to make sure you have a clear understanding of what the client wants. Before ending the conversation, take a minute to restate your understanding of the situation.
Let’s say a listener in a conversation believes the client wants the proposal by Friday the 13thnoon and the client wants to meet on Tuesday the 17that 3pm to discuss the details of the proposal. How could you confirm to ensure understanding?
So let me check to make sure I have got this right, the proposal is due by Friday the 13that noon and we will meet on Tuesday the 17th to go over the details. Is that correct?
Let me confirm, the proposal is due by Friday the 13that noon and we will meet on Tuesday the 17th to go over the details. Is that correct?
Let me make sure I heard you correctly. The proposal is due by Friday the 13th at noon and we will meet on Tuesday the 17th to go over the details. Is that correct?
This statement allows both sides to feel comfortable that there is a clear understanding of the situation. Below is some additional language that can be used in similar situations.
If I understand you correctly, you would like to…
So what you are saying is…
Let me make sure I heard you correctly. You said…
The next time you face a critical conversation remember to confirm to ensure understanding. This will help to prevent any misunderstandings, and help you to gain the confidence of the person to whom you are speaking.
*Robert Tolmasoff is a trainer, editor, and author based in Taipei. His clients include international companies as well as individuals looking to sharpen their communications skills. Robert’s last two books, 上班族完美英文e-mail輕鬆寫 and 1000 Essential Business English Terms, are available in books stores and from McGraw-Hill Taiwan. Have ideas for future columns or questions? Email Robert at rtlmsff@gmail.com
(PHOTO via Marc Wathieu CC License)
