Volumen 2 · Capítulo 17

Conversation Repair

How to slow things down, confirm meaning, and recover gracefully.

Repair phrases are not failure phrases. They are how adults keep a conversation alive while learning.

You need these more than you need fancy vocabulary.

Slow down and repeat

: Can you repeat, please?
: More slowly, please.
: I did not understand the last part.
: How do you say it?

Confirm what you heard

: So, I come back tomorrow?
: I need two copies?
: The payment is at the bank?
: Is it correct like this?

Say what you understood

This is powerful because it invites correction.

: I understand that I need to pay first.
: I understand that the appointment is tomorrow.
: I understand that one copy is missing.

Buy time without switching to English

: One moment, please.
: Let me check.
: I am looking for the document.
: I am still learning Spanish.

Ask for written support

: Can you write it for me?
: Can you send me the information by email?
: Do you have a list of requirements?

Drill: recover from a fast answer

That sequence can save an entire interaction.