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Speak Better English: Admit You Have No Idea!
Communication / Confidence / Asking Questions
"Yes, I understand." → "Actually, I have no idea!"
Have you ever nodded and smiled during an online lesson, even though you didn't quite understand what the teacher said? You are not alone! Many students feel shy about stopping the lesson to ask a question. But asking questions isn't a sign of bad English—it's the fastest way to improve.
Today's goal:
Learn the questions you should never be afraid to ask your tutor!
What’s the problem?
Usually, we pretend to understand because we want the lesson to go smoothly, or we feel embarrassed to interrupt. But when you stay silent, the teacher assumes you understand perfectly! Teachers are usually great at reading people... but our 6th sense isn't that good. Sometimes, you need to speak up and let us know how you are feeling. If you stay quiet, you are going to miss out on a chance to learn a new word, fix a mistake, or find out how native speakers really talk. Remember: your tutor wants to help you, not judge you! Our lessons are a safe space!
How do I ask more naturally?
Here are three types of questions you should always feel comfortable asking during a lesson.
1. Asking to Repeat or Slow Down
• “Sorry, I didn't quite catch that.” (A very natural way to say "I didn't hear/understand you".)
• “Could you say that one more time, please?” (Polite and standard.)
• “Would you mind speaking a little bit slower?” (Great for when native speech is too fast.)
2. Checking for "Natural" English
• “Does this sound natural to you?” (Your grammar might be 100% correct, but native speakers might use a different phrase.)
• “How would a native speaker say this?” (A question you should be using a lot!)
3. Using the Chat Box / Whiteboard
• “Could you type that word in the chat?” (Seeing a word written down connects spelling to pronunciation.)
• “Could you give me an example sentence?” (Helps you understand context.)
Mini-dialogues:
Scenario 1: The Internet Lag
Student: “So then I went to the [garbled noise] and bought a coffee.”
Teacher: “Sorry, I didn't quite catch that. Where did you go?”
Student: “Oh, sorry! I said I went to the bakery.”
Teacher: “Ah, the bakery! I don't think we have a very good connection. I'll check on my end.”
Student: “Ahh.. Sorry, I think my Wi-Fi dropped for a second. Can you hear me clearly now?”
Teacher: “Loud and clear! So, let's go back to what you were saying... What kind of coffee did you end up getting?”
Scenario 2: Leveling Up Your English
Student: “I felt very good because my presentation finished safely.”
Teacher: “I understand what you mean! Your grammar is fine.”
Student: “Does it sound natural to you, though?”
Teacher: “Actually, we usually say 'I was relieved that my presentation went well.'”
Student: “That sounds much better. Could you type that in the chat for me?”
Teacher: “Absolutely. I'll also add a few other ways you can express that feeling.”
Scenario 3: Learning a New Word
Teacher: “The plot of the movie was totally mind-boggling.”
Student: “Mind... boggling? I've never heard that phrase before.”
Teacher: “Oh, it's a great one! It means very confusing or surprising.”
Student: “Could you type that word in the chat and give me another example?”
Teacher: “Sure! 'The amount of paperwork I had to do was mind-boggling.'”
Student: “I see! I will definitely try to use that in my next meeting.”
Scenario 4: Clarifying Instructions
Teacher: “For our next activity, I'd like you to summarize the main takeaway from the article.”
Student: “I'm sorry, could you clarify what you mean by 'takeaway'?”
Teacher: “Good question! A takeaway is the most important message or lesson to remember.”
Student: “Oh, I understand now. So you want me to explain the main point?”
Teacher: “Exactly right! Just one or two sentences in your own words.”
Student: “Okay, let me think for a second before I answer.”
Vocabulary & Useful Expressions:
• Just nod and smile:
To move your head up and down to pretend you agree or understand. e.g., "I had no idea what the boss said, so I just nodded and smiled."• Miss out (on something):
To lose a good opportunity. e.g., "If you stay quiet, you miss out on a chance to learn."• Catch (something):
To hear or understand what someone said. e.g., "Sorry, I didn't catch your name."• Garbled:
When a voice sounds unclear, robotic, or broken up (usually because of bad internet). e.g., "Sorry, your audio is a bit garbled right now."• Drop (connection):
When an internet or phone connection suddenly disconnects. e.g., "I think my Wi-Fi dropped for a second."• Takeaway:
The main point or most important lesson to remember from a meeting, article, or class. e.g., "What was the main takeaway from today's lesson?"• Interrupt:
To stop someone while they are speaking. (Note: In a language lesson, it is perfectly okay to interrupt your teacher if you are lost!)• Natural English:
How native speakers actually talk in daily life, compared to strict textbook English.• Clarify:
To make something easier to understand. e.g., "Could you clarify what you mean by that?"Challenge Corner
Which expression would you use in each situation? Talk about the following:
- Your teacher uses a long, difficult word and you don't know how to spell it.
- You tell your teacher "My company is making a new building." It's correct, but you want to know a better way to say it.
- A dog barks in the background and you miss the end of the teacher's sentence.
Take the "Stop the Lesson" Challenge!
In your very next English lesson, try to find one moment where you don't fully understand. Instead of ignoring it, stop the teacher and use one of today's phrases!
Want feedback on your English?
If you want to practice these in real situations or share your answers, you can book a lesson with me on Cafetalk and work on making your English more natural!
Book a lesson and let's learn natural English together!
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