Confirming information is important, especially when anything is unclear
This lesson will look at confirming information. We use this language to check facts, confirm the overall meaning, or just to respond to surprising information.
Confirming information is useful when you didn't clearly hear or fully understand what was said. Confirming is also used when surprising information was given.
Some students may be uncomfortable confirming, if their personality is a bit shy or amiable, this will be more challenging. It's still very important though.
For example, when surprising information was said: "I'm a black belt in karate?" "Really? A black belt?"
Can you think of some reasons you might need to confirm information? When do you usually confirm information in English?
Here are some reasons you might need to confirm information:
- to be an active listener;
- if the language is difficult;
- if the information is unclear;
- if the information is very important;
- if the speaker is difficult to understand;
- if the information is surprising; or
- when there are numbers involved.
When confirming, we should use phrases like these. Can you think of any more?
- Did you say [full sentence]?
- So you’re saying [full sentence]?
- If I understand you correctly, [full sentence]?
Here is one example, you are person B and your instructor is A:
A: I went to Vancouver a few months ago.
B: Oh? In Canada? Didn't they have the Olympics there in 2010?
A: Yeah, that's right.
B: So, how was it?
A: It was great. Hey did you know that it’s further north than Hokkaido?
B: Oh? So it’s quite far north. Is it cold?
A: No, actually it's not very cold. It’s just a couple degrees colder than Tokyo in winter.
B: Really? You’re saying it’s about the same as Tokyo?
A: That’s right. The mountains near the city get some snow, but not much compared to Hokkaido. I heard something else too. Did you know that city with all the canals and boats, Venice, is actually two degrees further north than Sapporo?
B: Wait a minute, so if I understand you correctly, Venice, in Italy, is further north than Sapporo?
A: That’s right.
Also teach these phrases for when you don't understand. There are many, and your student may know of a lot already.
- Would you mind saying that again?
- I’m sorry, I didn’t catch that.
- I’m sot sure I understand. Could you say that a different way?
- Would you mind putting that another way?
Teaching note:
- Did you say [full sentence]? This is in the past, so it's what the other person just said.
- You’re saying [full sentence]? This is in the present, so it's used for facts or data.
Point out that you don't actually need to confirm the correct thing. If you use one of the above, but with something that is wrong, the result will be the same—clarification. This is super important. The student just needs to say something; anything.
For example:
A: Did you know that city with all the canals and boats, Venice, is actually two degrees north of Sapporo?
B: Wait a minute, so if I understand you correctly, Venice, in Italy, is two degrees colder than Sapporo?
A: No, sorry. What I meant was that Venice is closer to the North Pole.
First, your instructor will tell you about some plans. If you understand it a little, then confirm with them. If you didn't understand it enough to confirm, then use phrases for when you don't understand.
Next, your instructor will read some interesting facts. Try confirming them by repeating the information or asking a follow-up question.