How to Ask Someone to Repeat Themselves Professionally

May 25, 2026

How to Ask Someone to Repeat Themselves Professionally

Every professional misses something in a meeting. Someone speaks too quickly. The connection drops. A new piece of jargon is used. Background noise cuts across a key point. This happens to everyone — native and non-native speakers alike.

The difference is that native speakers have automatic phrases they reach for in that moment. Non-native professionals often freeze — worried that asking someone to repeat themselves will make them look incompetent.

The reality is the opposite. Asking for repetition professionally signals that you are engaged, precise, and serious about getting things right. For more on the distinction between asking to repeat and asking to clarify, see The Difference Between Repeat and Clarify in English.

Phrases by Context

When you did not hear what was said

"I'm sorry — I didn't quite catch that. Could you say it again?"

"Apologies — the line cut out for a moment. Could you repeat that last point?"

When you heard but did not understand

"Could you run through that again? I want to make sure I've understood correctly."

"I followed most of that — could you just repeat the last part about [topic]?"

When someone is speaking too quickly

"Could you slow down slightly? I want to make sure I capture this accurately."

In a large meeting or on a video call

"Apologies — I think there may have been some audio issues at my end. Could you repeat that?"

Formal situations — senior stakeholders or clients

"I beg your pardon — could you repeat that? I want to make sure I have the detail right."

What to Avoid

❌ "What?" — Too abrupt for a professional setting

❌ "Huh?" — Casual and perceived as inattentive

❌ "Say that again." — Sounds like a demand rather than a request

❌ Staying silent and pretending to understand — the most costly mistake of all

The Underlying Principle

Asking for repetition is not a sign of weakness. In British professional culture, it is a sign of precision, attentiveness, and commitment to accuracy. The professionals who pretend to understand are the ones who make expensive mistakes.

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Published by Fluentry UK — British English for Non-Native Professionals