Everyone misses words sometimes, even native speakers. The skill is asking again in a way that sounds friendly. Many learners just say "What?" because it is short and direct in their own language. In this episode: • Asking someone to say it again • Why tone matters • Slowing down and asking about one word • Checking by repeating back • Invented scenes: the phone and the door • Practice • Self-check questions with answers Key phrases from this episode: Sorry? — the shortest friendly way, with a rising voice (neutral) Sorry, what was that? — very common (neutral) Could you say that again? — clear and kind (polite) Could you repeat that, please? — a little more careful (polite) Come again? — say that again (casual) Pardon? — (more formal), a little old-fashioned for some Americans Sorry, I didn't catch that. — I didn't hear it well (neutral) Say again? — quick and casual, often on the phone (casual) What? with a sharp, falling voice — sounds annoyed or rude What? with a soft, rising voice, plus a smile — sounds friendly (casual) Excuse me? with a soft voice — fine for "please repeat" (polite) Sorry? with a rising voice — the safest choice Sorry, what? — softer than "What?" alone (casual) Sorry, just one more time? — gentle and friendly (casual) Could you slow down a little? — speak more slowly (polite) Could you say that a little slower? — (polite) Sorry, you lost me. — I don't understand anymore (casual) What does "carpool" mean? — asking about one word (neutral) Sorry, what's a carpool? — asking about one word (casual) Did you say fifteen or fifty? — checking two possible words (neutral) Season 2 · Real American English: the complete spoken course for learners worldwide — accent, everyday grammar, prepositions, articles, phrasal verbs, idioms, slang and real conversations at home. Listen, repeat out loud, then take the 52-question quiz. Audio voiced with AI from an original script by Dr. Rashmi R Nair.