請求澄清英文:不讓人覺得你沒在聽的問法
學會用英文禮貌地請求澄清,確保理解正確同時展現你的專注與專業。
導言
在商務溝通中,當你聽不懂對方的說明、需要更多細節、或想確認自己是否理解正確時,如何「請求澄清」而不讓對方覺得你沒在聽、不專心、或能力不足,是一門微妙的藝術。許多台灣工作者因害怕丟臉而選擇點頭裝懂,結果誤解指令、做錯事情,反而造成更大問題。本文提供從禮貌請求重複、確認理解、到深入追問的完整英文句型,幫助你在任何場合都能自信地獲取所需資訊,同時維持專業形象與良好關係。
一、請求重複:當你沒聽清楚時
會議中、電話裡、或嘈雜環境中,沒聽清楚是常態。關鍵是用語氣和用語讓對方願意再說一次,而非感到不耐煩。
基本請求重複
- Sorry, I didn't catch that. Could you repeat the last part?
- I'm sorry, could you say that again?
- Pardon? I didn't hear you clearly.
- Sorry, the connection was a bit unclear. Could you repeat that?
- I missed that. Could you run that by me again?
Sorry, I didn't catch the deadline you mentioned. Could you repeat that?
I'm sorry, the audio cut out for a second. What did you say about the budget?
請求說慢一點
- Could you speak a bit slower, please?
- I'm having trouble following. Could you slow down a little?
- Sorry, could you pace it a bit slower? I want to make sure I get everything.
- Would you mind speaking a bit more slowly? English is my second language.
Could you speak a bit slower? I want to make sure I capture all the details correctly.
請求大聲一點或調整音訊
- Sorry, I can barely hear you. Could you speak up a bit?
- I think there might be an audio issue on my end. Could you repeat that?
- The line seems a bit fuzzy. Could you say that again?
- I'm having trouble hearing you. Is your microphone working okay?
I can hear you but it's quite faint. Could you check your microphone or move closer to it?
請對方書面確認
- Could you put that in an email so I have it in writing?
- Would you mind sending me a quick summary of what you just said?
- Can you type that in the chat? I want to make sure I have the exact wording.
- I'll send you a follow-up email to confirm my understanding. Does that work?
Could you drop the key dates in the Slack channel? I want to make sure I have them right.
二、確認理解:當你想驗證自己是否聽對
復述(paraphrasing)是確認理解的最佳方式。它不僅能避免誤解,還能讓對方感受到你在認真聆聽。
復述確認
- So if I understand correctly, you're saying that [restate in your words]?
- Let me make sure I have this right. You want us to [action] by [date], correct?
- Just to confirm — the main point is [summary]. Is that accurate?
- So to clarify, [restate]. Did I get that right?
- If I'm following you correctly, [restate]. Is that what you mean?
So if I understand correctly, you need the report by Friday, but the presentation can wait until Monday. Is that right?
Let me confirm: we're prioritizing the mobile app over the web version for the Q2 launch. Correct?
確認特定細節
- When you say [term/phrase], do you mean [your interpretation]?
- Could you clarify what you mean by [term]?
- Just to be clear — are we talking about [option A] or [option B]?
- When you said [X], did you mean [Y] or [Z]?
- I want to make sure I understand the scope. Does [X] include [Y]?
When you say "ASAP," do you mean by end of day today or by end of week?
Could you clarify what "phase one" includes? Is the API integration part of it?
確認行動與責任
- So my action item is to [task] by [date]. Is that correct?
- Just to confirm — I'm responsible for [X], and [Name] will handle [Y]?
- Who should I coordinate with on [matter]?
- What's the next step from my side?
- Should I wait for your go-ahead before proceeding?
So I'll prepare the draft and send it to you for review by Wednesday. You'll then share it with the client. Did I get the workflow right?
Just to confirm my understanding: I own the timeline, and Sarah owns the budget. Correct?
三、請求更多資訊:當你需要深入細節
有時對方的說明過於簡略,你需要更多背景或細節才能採取行動。
請求更多細節
- Could you elaborate on [point]?
- I'd like to understand more about [topic]. Could you expand on that?
- Can you give me more context on [situation]?
- What specifically do you mean by [term/requirement]?
- Could you walk me through [process/step] in more detail?
Could you elaborate on the "streamlined process" you mentioned? What would that look like in practice?
I'd like to understand the client's priorities better. Could you share more about their main concerns?
請求範例或說明
- Could you give me an example of what you're looking for?
- Do you have a sample or template I could reference?
- What would a successful outcome look like in this case?
- Can you show me what you mean?
- Is there a previous project I could look at as a reference?
Could you give me an example of the tone you're aiming for in the marketing copy?
Do you have a sample report from last quarter I could use as a template?
請求澄清優先順序
- If we can't do everything, what should we prioritize?
- Which of these is the most urgent?
- What's the must-have vs. nice-to-have?
- If there's a trade-off between [X] and [Y], which takes precedence?
- What's the minimum viable version we need to deliver?
If we're short on time, should we focus on the core features first or the user interface polish?
What's the one thing that absolutely must be done by Friday?
請求澄清期望
- What does "good" look like for this deliverable?
- What are your expectations for [aspect]?
- How will this be evaluated or measured?
- What's the acceptance criteria?
- Is there a specific format or length you prefer?
What does a successful presentation look like to you? Any particular metrics or outcomes you're hoping to see?
What's the expected length for the executive summary — one page or more detailed?
四、在不同場合的澄清策略
一對一對話
- I have a few questions to make sure I'm on the right track.
- Before I start, I want to clarify a couple of things.
- Can we pause for a moment? I want to make sure I understand the requirements.
- I don't want to assume — could you confirm [point]?
Before I dive into the analysis, I want to clarify the scope. Are we looking at domestic sales only or including international?
團隊會議
- Sorry to interrupt, but could you clarify [point] for the group?
- I think this might be helpful for everyone — when you say [X], do you mean [Y]?
- For those of us who joined late, could you briefly recap [topic]?
- I want to make sure we're all aligned. Can we confirm [decision]?
Sorry to jump in — when you mentioned the deadline shift, does that apply to all workstreams or just Phase 2?
與客戶或外部夥伴
- To ensure we deliver exactly what you need, could you help me understand [requirement]?
- We want to get this right the first time. Could you clarify [point]?
- From our perspective, [interpretation]. Does that align with your expectations?
- Is there anything else we should consider that we might have missed?
To make sure we meet your expectations, could you describe what success looks like for this project from your perspective?
與主管
- I want to make sure I'm aligned with your priorities. Could you clarify [point]?
- Before I proceed, I'd like to confirm my understanding of [assignment].
- I have a question about the approach — could we discuss [topic]?
- What's your preference between [option A] and [option B]?
I want to make sure I'm focusing on the right things. Of the three initiatives we discussed, which should I prioritize this week?
五、進階技巧:讓澄清請求更自然
先肯定再提問
- That's a great point. Could you help me understand [detail] a bit more?
- I like the direction. Just to make sure I'm clear — [question]?
- That makes sense. One thing I want to confirm — [question].
- I appreciate the overview. Could you dive deeper into [aspect]?
I really like the strategy. Could you help me understand how we'll measure success?
承認自己的責任
- I should have asked this earlier, but — [question]?
- I want to make sure I don't misinterpret. [Clarification question]?
- I'd rather clarify now than make assumptions. [Question]?
- I may have missed this in the documentation. Could you explain [point]?
I should have asked this in our kickoff meeting — what's the approval process for external vendors?
提供選項協助對方回答
- Are we looking at Option A or Option B?
- Is the timeline flexible, or is [date] a hard deadline?
- Should I focus on [X] first, or is [Y] the priority?
- Do you prefer a detailed report or a high-level summary?
Is the target audience internal stakeholders or external clients? That will affect how I structure the presentation.
常見錯誤
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裝懂點頭 — 不澄清而後續做錯,比當場問清楚更丟臉。
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過度道歉 — 每問一句就說 "Sorry",顯得缺乏自信。適度使用即可。
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問題太模糊 — "What do you mean?" 不如 "When you say X, do you mean Y or Z?"
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在錯誤時機打斷 — 對方正在說明關鍵邏輯時插話,應等適當停頓再問。
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只問不記 — 問了澄清卻不記錄,重複問同樣問題更顯不專業。
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公開讓他人難堪 — "I don't understand anything you said" 在團隊面前讓講者難堪。可私下再問。
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假設而非確認 — "I'll assume you want it by Friday" 不如 "Just to confirm, is Friday the deadline?"
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一次問太多 — 連珠炮式提問讓對方難以回答。一次一個重點,確認後再問下一個。
情境模擬
情境一:會議中沒聽清楚指示
Manager: "...and we'll need to pivot the strategy by end of Q2, focusing on the enterprise segment."
You: "Sorry, I want to make sure I captured that correctly. When you say pivot to the enterprise segment, do you mean we're deprioritizing SMB, or adding enterprise as a parallel focus? And is end of Q2 a hard deadline for the strategy document or for implementation?"
情境二:客戶需求不明確
Client: "We need something more innovative for the campaign."
You: "I appreciate that direction. To make sure we deliver what you're looking for, could you help me understand what 'innovative' means in your context? For example, are you thinking about the creative approach, the channels we use, or the technology involved? Do you have any campaigns from other brands that you admire as a reference?"
情境三:郵件中請求澄清
Subject: Quick clarification on Project Alpha scope
Hi Sarah,
Thank you for the project brief. Before I start the analysis, I want to make sure I'm aligned on a few points:
- When you mention "historical data," does that include data from 2022 and earlier, or only 2023 onwards?
- Should the report focus on revenue metrics only, or also include customer acquisition costs?
- Is the March 20 deadline for the first draft or the final deliverable?
I want to get this right the first time. Happy to hop on a quick call if that's easier.
Best regards, Alex
情境四:電話中請求重複
"I apologize, the line was breaking up. Could you repeat the account number and the amount you're disputing? I want to make sure I have the correct information before I look into this."
練習建議
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建立澄清句型清單 — 將本文句型整理成卡片或筆記,會議前快速複習。
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練習復述 — 聽完一段說明後,強迫自己用 "So if I understand correctly..." 開頭復述,養成習慣。
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主動請求澄清 — 本週至少在三個場合主動請求澄清,體驗對方通常樂於解釋而非責怪。
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準備問題 — 參加會議前先看議程,準備 2-3 個可能需要澄清的問題。
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會後確認郵件 — 養成會後寄送 "Just to confirm my understanding..." 郵件的習慣。
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角色扮演 — 與同事練習:一人快速說明複雜任務,另一人練習澄清提問。
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反思裝懂的代價 — 回想曾因沒問清楚而犯的錯,提醒自己澄清的價值遠大於「丟臉」的恐懼。
總結
請求澄清不是弱點的表現,而是專業與負責任的體現。清楚的理解是正確執行的前提,而適當的澄清用語能讓對方感受到你的認真與尊重。從簡單的 "Could you repeat that?" 到結構化的復述確認,這些句型能幫助你在任何溝通場合獲取所需資訊。記住:問一個「愚蠢」的問題,總好過做一件「愚蠢」的事。勇敢開口,你會發現大多數人都樂於澄清,而非責怪你沒聽懂。