How You Ask Guests To Repeat Themselves Effectively When Working In Busy Environments

If you work in a busy hospitality environment, such as a restaurant, having to communicate with guests in a language that is not your native tongue can be an intimidating challenge.

As a second language speaker, it can be difficult to understand what your guests are saying and even harder to ask them to repeat themselves. However, it doesn’t have to be that way!

In this LinkedIn article, we will discuss effective techniques and phrases to help you ask guests to repeat themselves without making them feel uncomfortable.

Read on to learn more about the best ways to ensure clear communication with your guests!

Make sure you understand the question

When you work in a busy hospitality or restaurant setting, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle and miss what a guest is saying. It's important to take a moment to make sure you understand the question being asked before attempting to answer it.

One effective technique for ensuring understanding is to repeat the question back to the guest.

For example, if a guest asks, "Can I have a medium-rare steak?", you could repeat back, "So, you're asking for a medium-rare steak, is that correct?"

This technique not only confirms that you heard the guest correctly but also gives them the opportunity to correct you if there was a misunderstanding. Additionally, it shows the guest that you are actively listening and striving to meet their needs. 

If you still aren't certain what the guest is asking, it's okay to ask for clarification.

Don't be afraid to say something like, "I'm sorry, could you please repeat the question?" or "Could you explain that a bit more?"

Remember, the guest's experience is important and communication is key to a positive experience. Taking the time to understand their needs and questions will ultimately benefit both you and the guest.

Ask for clarification

One of the most effective ways to make sure you understand what a guest is saying is to ask them to clarify their question or statement. It can be tempting to simply nod and smile, hoping that you will catch the gist of what they are saying, but this can lead to miscommunication and misunderstandings.

If a guest says something that you didn't quite catch, politely ask them to repeat themselves.

Some phrases you might use include:

- "I'm sorry, could you say that again?"

- "I'm having a bit of trouble understanding, could you clarify that for me?"

- "Could you repeat the question/statement, please?"

It's important to remember that there's no shame in asking for clarification, and guests will appreciate your efforts to make sure you understand what they're saying. By doing so, you can avoid confusion and ensure that you're providing the best possible service.

Repeat the question back to the guest

If you're still unsure of what the guest is asking or saying, a great way to get clarity is by repeating their question or statement back to them. This technique can also show the guest that you're attentive and that you want to make sure you understand their request fully.

For example, a guest might say, "I'd like a reservation for six people at 7 pm." You could repeat the request by saying, "Okay, so you'd like a reservation for six people at 7 pm. Is that correct?" 

By repeating the question back to the guest, you can confirm that you heard them correctly and ensure that you're addressing their needs. Additionally, if there was a misunderstanding, this technique can give the guest the opportunity to clarify or rephrase their request.

Another tip when using this technique is to use your own words when repeating the request. Sometimes using the same phrasing as the guest can make it harder to understand what they're asking for. So, by using your own words, you can clarify and make the request clearer.

Overall, repeating the question or request back to the guest can help avoid misunderstandings and miscommunications, leading to a smoother hospitality or restaurant experience for everyone involved.

Use simpler words

If you're struggling to understand what a guest is saying, it may be helpful to ask them to use simpler words. This can help eliminate any confusion or miscommunication that may arise from using complex language.

Here are some phrases you can use to ask guests to simplify their language:

- "I'm sorry, can you explain that in simpler terms?"

- "I didn't quite catch what you said, could you use simpler language please?"

- "Can you break that down for me using simpler words?"

It's important to remember that asking for simpler language is not a sign of weakness or lack of intelligence. It simply shows that you want to ensure clear communication between yourself and the guest. By using simpler language, the guest may also be more likely to understand your responses and any information you may need to provide.

Additionally, it's important to avoid using complex language or technical terms yourself when communicating with guests. Stick to simple, clear language to ensure easy understanding and to prevent any confusion or frustration.

Remember, the goal is to create a positive experience for the guest, and clear communication is a key part of achieving that goal.

Ask a colleague for help

Asking a colleague for help is one of the best ways to handle a situation where you're having trouble understanding a guest. Not only will it allow you to clarify any confusion you may have, but it will also give you the chance to learn from your colleague's experience and expertise.

Here's how you can ask for help:

1. Be honest: Don't be afraid to admit that you're having difficulty understanding the guest. Explain your situation to your colleague and ask if they could help.

2. Explain the situation: Provide context around the conversation you had with the guest. This will help your colleague better understand the situation and provide more relevant advice.

3. Ask for guidance: Ask your colleague what they would do in your shoes. They may have some techniques or phrases that they've found to be helpful in similar situations.

4. Listen actively: Pay close attention to your colleague's advice. Take notes if you need to. Make sure you fully understand what they're suggesting before attempting to apply it in a real-world situation.

Remember, there's no shame in asking for help. Your colleagues are there to support you, and asking for guidance is a great way to improve your English language skills.

By following these tips, you'll be better equipped to handle conversations with guests in even the busiest hospitality and restaurant settings.

How Learn Laugh Speak Helps Busy Adults Learn English 

If you're working in a busy hospitality or restaurant environment, finding time to attend English classes or even study on your own can be a challenge.

That's where Learn Laugh Speak comes in - our full digital application allows you to learn English at your own pace, on your own schedule, without sacrificing the quality of your education.

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Whether you're looking to communicate more effectively with guests or advance your career in the hospitality industry, Learn Laugh Speak is here to support your goals.

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