What do you do if someone doesn't understand something you said?

United Kingdom
November 8, 2006 4:41pm CST
Would you keep repeating yourself? Would you get angry/annoyed? Would you just give up? Would you do something else?
5 people like this
25 responses
@Tellknow1 (604)
8 Nov 06
I think I am a very patient person so I would most probably try to explain whatever it was in a different way until the person got what I was talking about. Patients doesn't cost anything.
• United Kingdom
8 Nov 06
That's true. I will explain things in a different way if someone genuinely hasn't understood. Although I sometimes get annoyed if someone doesn't understand no matter how many different ways you put what you say.
2 people like this
• United Kingdom
9 Nov 06
Obviously you aren't intelligent. You have made that perfectly clear. Now go away. I don't care if you agree with things or not. This is the kind of thing that bothers me, not that people disagree but they aren't capable of understanding what is actually being said but assume someone else thinks they're stupid because they don't agree when it's actually got nothing to do with agreeing or disagreeing, just a matter of not being able to understand. If someone whose first language isn't English didn't understand something, that's fair enough but they should just admit they don't understand rather than complain about everyone else. Now, this question is not to do with the other one. It's perfectly obvious that you will never grasp the idea of what was actually being said there but don't moan about it everywhere else.
3 people like this
• United States
9 Nov 06
" assume someone else thinks they're stupid because they don't agree when it's actually got nothing to do with agreeing or disagreeing" I think it's best that people should take their own advice before giving to others. If you would have READ the thread completely and the replies, you have have seen her calling people stupid. There was nothing to assume there. Ofcourse you want me to go away, because I don't agree with you, be a big girl about it. You accused every mother on there that has a job of being a bad mother. You should be ashamed of yourself and embarrassed to conduct yourself in that kind of manner.
1 person likes this
• United States
9 Nov 06
I would repeat myself several times, trying to explain it in other ways. If they still don't understand, I'd say nevermind and move on to another topic.
@moneymind (10510)
• Philippines
9 Nov 06
i will clarify what i said in the very simplest way i can, thats what i am going to do. greetings. : )
4 people like this
@JoyfulOne (6232)
• United States
9 Nov 06
If somebody doesn't understand what I'm trying to say or explain, I might repeat it once (if they didn't hear it the first time.) If they just didn't understand what I was talking about, I would try to explain in a different manner, or maybe explain and give an example of what I'm trying to get across. I'd never get angry or annoyed, that would be pointless. Like they say, patience is a virtue.
@Philip24 (50)
• Ghana
9 Nov 06
Repetition and anger cannot solve misunderstanding, all the person demannds is further explanation(not by using the same words) but change the diction or break it to his or her bearest level. I know what i'm talking about, i'm in Africa where many have problem with English. I will simply try breaking down my diction(localized response)
• United Kingdom
11 Nov 06
I understand wht you mean. If I am speaking English, I have no problem trying to make it easier for someone with a different first language to understand. The only thing I have a problem with is when something is explained in plain English to another person who has no reason not to understand but you still can't make it simple enough for them to understand!
2 people like this
@spoiled311 (5500)
• Philippines
9 Nov 06
i'd repeat myself until that person understands...it's better that way than endure the consequence of misunderstandings after...=)
3 people like this
@tater03 (1765)
• United States
9 Nov 06
Even though after awhile it does get annoying when you have to keep repeating yourself I would repeat it a few times and then just say never mind.
3 people like this
@nannacroc (4049)
11 Nov 06
It would depend on why they didn't understand. If it's because English is their second language then it would be fair to try to explain differently. If they have learning difficulties it is also important to be patient and re-word what you're saying. If that was not the case then maybe explain calmly two or three times then give up because the person your trying to get the information to is either too stubborn to listen or too stupid to understand.
• United Kingdom
11 Nov 06
Some people have given really good answers but I think you have given the broadest answer with all the possibilities.
1 person likes this
@naha123 (1265)
• India
11 Nov 06
i have come across on this so many times.. and at that time i will use my various actions to express what i like to say to him. so its understandable one..i wont get angry..
23 Nov 06
I would try and word it in a way they they would understand. There's no point getting angry. Would you expect someone to get angry or just give up if you didn't understand them?
1 person likes this
• United Kingdom
23 Nov 06
Well, that's a good point but if I didn't understand something, I would ask the person to explain. I try not to get angry but sometimes when you have explained something clearly to someone who should understand, it's very frustrating if they still don't understand, particularly if you have tried several times!
@tmnjyk (3486)
• Canada
13 Nov 06
Oh, I try and try until he/she get what I said. I try to be nice and explain it more to him/her.
2 people like this
@Fragile (361)
• Philippines
9 Nov 06
I JUST STOP TALKING.
2 people like this
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
13 Nov 06
I would explain as often until the Person would know what I mean
2 people like this
@benben (107)
• India
8 Nov 06
i try to explain to them again
3 people like this
@kage2k3 (1443)
• India
24 Nov 06
First i will repeat 3 or 4 times and if that person still wont understand then i will get angry and frustrated. And at last if that person is so stupid then i will give up
1 person likes this
@easy888 (10405)
• Australia
7 Jun 07
Hello,pumpikinjam,if someone cannot understand me,i will try to be patient and repeat what i say politely,i will not get annoyed because may be i do not express myself clearly,it is not their fault not understanding me,i will not give up,i will try my best to send my message to them by whatever means.
@miamilady (4910)
• United States
19 Aug 07
It would depend on the situation. Are we talking about a child not understanding a homework lesson, or a mate not understanding our point of view on something? If it's a child, I would try for as long as I coul remain patient. After that I'd take a break and maybe see if I can find someone else that could perhaps expplain it better. With the spouse. I'd try a couple times then I'd give up. I have resigned myself to the fact that sometimes he just doesn't "get it" and never will. It isn't worth becoming angry over. People are made differently and apparently their comprehension of certain things is different. Their perspective certainly is. The latter answer would apply to any other adult relationship as well. not just a spouse or dating. It could be a parent or a friend, a co-worker a fellow volunteer...
@butterfly39 (3904)
• Philippines
27 Jun 07
I will find a way that I can explain well what I am saying so the he/she will understand.
1 person likes this
@ailema4ever (2668)
• Finland
21 Sep 07
It depends on how important it is for me to make that person understands what I mean. I'd usually try to find another way to explain myself to the person, but if I feel that it's not that important to make that person understands, then I'd give up. However, if it's crucial for me to make that person understands what I mean, then I'll do my best to try to make him/her understand. I'd do something else. I'd do anything to make that person understands what I mean. But actually, in real life I've never experienced this at all. Usually with one more explanation (more in detail) they'd understand.
@izathewzia (5134)
• Philippines
21 Sep 07
I tried to explain to that particular person everything. i will not stop until he/she gets my point clearly. Not everyone could easily comprehend. In this situation, patience is all we need.