Strategies that Will Let Me Know if My Client Understands Me

To find out if a client understands my instructions, I might ask, "What will you do for this activity?" or :What do I want you to do?"

When giving instructions in addition to uisng graded language I use simple request constructions. For example:

Please adjust the video speed.

Please shadow the speaker.

Please predict what happens next.

Please watch the video.

Also, when giving concise instructions orally, I speak slowly.

This is the list of strategies listed to be used AFTER oral instructions were not understood.

1. Repeat what you said and encourage student to repeat what you said. That way they can re-windi in their mind and "hear" the instructions again and again.

2. Change the words you used when you repeat the instructions only if you suspect that student does not recognize the spoken words.

3. Speak slower

4. Stress (= emphasise) the most important words) i.e. use slightly exaggerated intonation

5. Avoid colloquial expressions, i.e. use standard English. Don't use non-standard English.

6. Use synonyms (This is a subset of item 2.)

7. Use gestures if oral language is not understood pantomime or body language may do the trick..

8. Use shorter sentences.

In my opinion, all of the listed strategies may be helpful when a tutor finds it necessary to repeat oral instructions