Speaking Tips C1-C2 Levels in English

What to say when you don’t understand the question

We’ve all been there. You’re in a conversation and get asked a question but you have no idea what to answer or don’t understand the question. Instead of giving a blank stare or blurting out “huh?”, there are some more professional things to say when you don’t understand a question:

• I didn’t quite follow that. Could you please repeat the question?
• I didn’t catch what you said. Could you repeat it, please?
• I didn’t grasp what you meant. Could you say that again, please?

Personal Preferences

Getting asked about things you like and dislike is part of almost every conversation. Instead of answering with a simple “yes” or “no”, there are some better ways to spice up the conversation:

• I prefer doing… than doing …
• Personally speaking, I would definitely …
• I would choose … because …

Statig your Opinion

Getting your point across is an important skill everyone should possess, especially when communicating in a foreign language. You can use the following phrases to help you:

• As far as I’m concerned…
• From my point of view…
• I am inclined to believe that…

Presenting Arguments

Once you have stated your opinion on a certain matter, it is time to convince your conversation partner of your opinion. To do this, you might want to use the following phrases:

• One justification often given for … is that…
• However, it should not be forgotten that…
• One of the benefits is that…

Agreeing and Disagreeing

Agreeing and politely disagreeing to arguments and opinions is an extremely important part of a conversation or debate. The following phrases will help you stay professional and polite:

• I am in complete agreement with…
• Undoubtedly it is true to say that…
• I see what you are saying but I think…
• Another way of looking at it is…