WorkIntermediate
Can't hear on a conference call in English
Everyday English for can't hear on a conference call. Key line: “Hey Emma, your audio keeps *cutting* *out*—could you *speak* *up*?”
Full script
Lin
Hey Emma, your audio keeps cutting out—could you speak up?
Them
Oh, sure—am I breaking up, or just too quiet?
Lin
A bit of both. The last part sounded like a robot.
Them
Let me move closer and check my mic.
Lin
Much better. Could you go over the deadline again?
Them
Sure. It's Friday—unless my robot voice changed the date.
Lin
Nope, Friday came through perfectly. The robot was very confident.
Them
Great, then I'll let human Emma finish the call.
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
dropouts
✓ cutting outAudio cuts out
For weak internet/audio
louder
✓ speak upSpeak louder
Louder, not faster
choppy
✓ breaking upVoice breaks up
Common on calls
re-explain
✓ go over ... againExplain it again
More natural than repeat for info
Quick answers
dropouts: what to say in English
Say “cutting out” — audio cuts out. For weak internet/audio.
louder: what to say in English
Say “speak up” — speak louder. Louder, not faster.
choppy: what to say in English
Say “breaking up” — voice breaks up. Common on calls.
re-explain: what to say in English
Say “go over ... again” — explain it again. More natural than repeat for info.