The following statements and questions might be helpful in checking and clarifying the learner’s meaning:
- It sounds as though you are saying that…happens here. Am I right about that?
- You seem to be feeling… about that situation. Have I got the right impression?
- I’m not sure I fully understand you. Are you saying…? Is that what you mean?
Also, some simple prompts can help a reluctant speaker to continue:
- That sounds interesting. Tell me more
- Tell me about another time when…happens
- Go on – this is really interesting
These are often better phrased as imperatives rather than as questions, to avoid the answer ‘No, I can’t’ to the ‘Can you …?’ type of question.
It is important to take care not to paraphrase the learners’ statements in a way that ‘leads the witness’.