WorkBeginner
Can't hear on a conference call in English (beginner)
Beginner English for can't hear on a conference call. Key line: “Sorry, I can't hear you. Can you repeat that?”
Full script
Lin
Sorry, I can't hear you. Can you repeat that?
Them
Sure. Can you hear me now?
Lin
A little. You sound far away.
Them
Oh, my headset is backward.
Lin
Please get closer to the mic.
Them
Yes. Is this better, or worse?
Lin
Much better. You're clear now.
Them
Good. My headset was talking to the wall.
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
can't hear
✓ I can't hear you.Used when sound is unclear
Most common on calls
repeat
✓ Can you repeat that?Ask them to repeat it
More polite than say again
too far
✓ You sound far away.Said when voice seems distant
Use when they sound distant
closer
✓ Please get closer to the mic.Polite: move nearer the mic
mic = short for microphone
Quick answers
can't hear: what to say in English
Say “I can't hear you.” — used when sound is unclear. Most common on calls.
repeat: what to say in English
Say “Can you repeat that?” — ask them to repeat it. More polite than say again.
too far: what to say in English
Say “You sound far away.” — said when voice seems distant. Use when they sound distant.
closer: what to say in English
Say “Please get closer to the mic.” — polite: move nearer the mic. mic = short for microphone.