What to say if you didn’t understand someone’s introduction
Introductions can be pretty stressful. Perhaps you’re taken by surprise. Or you may find yourself not listening properly, because you’re desperately thinking about what to reply. On top of that, you’ll probably be hearing the other person’s voice for the first time and won’t have had a chance to get used to their accent.
For all of these reasons, it’s not surprising if you don’t catch all the information you’re given.
Ask to avoid embarrassment
But it’s certainly best to check as soon as possible to avoid embarrassing situations later on.
If you’re not sure what someone said when they introduced themselves to the whole group in a meeting, make a point of asking them in the next break. People will be more than happy to tell you – they’ll be flattered that you’re interested.
And you won’t only get the information you need, you’ll also have a great opening for talking about other topics and getting to know the other person better. It’s an easy and natural way to take the initiative and strike up a conversation with someone.
Some phrases you can use
If you didn’t understand someone’s name
Sorry, I didn’t quite catch* your name.
If you’re not sure how to pronounce someone’s name
Can you say your name again, please. It’s not so easy for me to pronounce.
Can you repeat your name again, please. I’m not sure how to pronounce it.
[Your attempt at saying the name] Am I pronouncing that correctly?
If you didn’t understand what someone does / will be doing in a project
I’m afraid I didn’t catch* what you said (when you introduced yourself to the group). Could you tell me what you do again?
Sorry, I didn’t quite get what you said. Could you explain your role in the project again?
If you’d like to find out where someone is based
Could you tell me where you’re based again?
Where is that exactly?
Is that in the north of Italy?
What’s the nearest larger city?
If you think you understood, but would like confirmation
Did I understand correctly, you’re the [the job / position you understood]?
Am I right in thinking you’re from [the place you understood]?
So, you’re responsible for [what you understood]?
* I didn’t (quite) catch is a useful phrase, because it means both I didn’t understand and I didn’t hear the words exactly (German: ich habe es nicht (ganz) mitbekommen).
