Do They Really Understand You?

By Marty Nemko

When you don't understand what someone's saying, do you usually ask for a re-explanation? If you're like most people, you don't--it's too embarrassing. So when you are speaking, you may be incorrectly assuming that your listener is understanding, especially if you asked a perfunctory "Any questions?"

What can you do today?
So, when you've said something complicated or sense that your listener is spacing out, give them a face-saving way out. Ask, "I'm not sure I made myself clear. Would you like me to re-explain?"