How to slow down a conversation

Written By Dan Kaplan

Yesterday’s Daily Tip made the case to slow down and pause momentarily before responding, so you can minimize the risk of letting others make decisions for you. Here’s some language you can use.

  • Can we slow down? This is too important to rush through.

  • Interesting. Let me think about that for a moment.

  • I don’t understand. Can you say that in a different way?

  • This seems important. Can you repeat it?

  • I must be tired/hungry/having trouble focusing. Can we go over that again, only more slowly?

  • Wait a minute. Can I give you my honest answer?

  • Can I think about that for a while and get back to you?

These phrases are also useful if you simply don’t understand someone, or don’t like what they said and want to formulate the right response.


Adapted from Messages, The Communications Skills book, by Dr. Matthew McKay.

Dan Kaplan https://www.confidentcommunicator.com
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