How to talk to people: phrases

Clarifying Phrases

I’m curious…

Would you elaborate on that for me?

May I ask…?

Tell me more… about that!

Would you give me an example of…?

What else would help me understand…?

What else should I know about…?

What do you mean?

Why do you say that?

It would help me to help you if I could ask how you’re currently handling that…

What’s your thinking about that?

Tentatively Speaking Phrases

It’s OK if what I have is not for you!

If the answer to my proposal is “No,” that’s OK.

Maybe we have something here, maybe not!

I really appreciate you sharing that with me…

I’m sorry… I think I’ve caused you to misunderstand me.

I get the feeling I’ve lost you somewhere. Is that right?

I apologize. I did not mean…

Checking for Agreement Phrases

Is that OK?

How does that look to you?

Provided this meets with your approval…

Provided you are OK with this, we can go to the next step…

Suggestion Phrases

May I make a suggestion? Have a look at what I have and then make up your mind.

With your permission…

If you allow me, I will…

If it’s OK with you, I will now…