13 Ways to Ask for Clarification
When we become confused about a matter, whether it is simple or not, we tend to feel the urge to ask for clarifications. Clarifications can definitely help us avoid misunderstandings and diminish confusion. But then, some people see asking for clarifications as a challenge. They may seem not to embrace the idea of asking for clarifications.
With that said, here are thirteen ways that you can use in order to ask for clarifications.
- Assess the matter if it is really unclear or confusing
– You have to first re-evaluate the thing that is confusing you. Look at the words and try to understand them all over again because maybe the answers are already there and just need to read more. But if it is really unclear and confusing, this is when the second tip enters.
- Admit that you need clarifications
– Be sure you are not in denial that you need help. Admitting that you need clarifications can help you to know what is the next thing to do. When you have
accepted in yourself that you really need clarification, it will just be easy to push through the next following steps.
- Do not put the blame on other people
– If what they did was their job and you still find it hard to understand what they did, do not put the blame on them since they’re just doing their jobs. Instead, look at the other side and think of ways to further push through your aim for clarifications.
- Summarize your point
– It is important to figure out the parts that confuse you and summarize those in a concise manner.
- Arrange your thoughts
– Now that you have summarized your point, you can now arrange them in a way that is easier to understand. You would not want to confuse the person you’ll be talking to, right?
- Know who to contact or ask
– It is important to ask the person who is a part of the team who created the document or file that confuses you. If they are not available, you can look for other persons that may have knowledge of the matter you will be asking
- Bring the document or paper with you
– It is better to bring the document so that you can easily point out the parts that confused you despite summarizing your points earlier. This way, you will not forget some of your points when you have a guide with you.
- Explain or ask in a brief manner
– The person you are talking to may need to address or attend to some other important things so try to ask for clarifications in a brief manner, in a simple one so that you can have the answers afterward.
- Observe politeness
– It is important to be polite at all times especially if the person you’re talking to is in a higher position.
- Be professional
– Especially if it is in the work setting, you have to observe professionalism at all times.
- Be specific as well
– If you have follow-up questions, be specific and do not try to expound so much.
- Let the other person have the freedom to answer
– It should not just only be you who is gonna talk because how will you be able to get answers if you’ll not let them answer you?
- Assess the matter
– After the clarifications, assess once more if the matter has been clear to you already.
Following these steps can ensure a successful process of clarification. Always try to focus on the point that you want to get clarified to not waste so much time and add more confusion.
