How to ask for clarification without seeming lost

Ways to say it

• Just to check I've got this right

  NeutralB1

  Repeat your understanding back as a statement. If you are wrong, they correct one detail rather than re-explaining everything.

  ExampleJust to check I've got this right — we ship the API first, and the UI follows next month?

• Which part of the flow does that apply to?

  NeutralB1

  A narrow question with a suggested answer built in. Far easier to answer than an open "could you clarify?".

  ExampleWhich part of the flow does that apply to — sign-up only, or renewals as well?

• Could you say a bit more about

  FormalB2

  Invites elaboration on one named thing. Works well in writing and with people more senior than you.

  ExampleCould you say a bit more about how the fallback behaves when the token has expired?

When not to use

Do not use these to soften a challenge you have already decided on. Asking "could you say a bit more about the timeline?" when you mean "the timeline is not achievable" wastes a round and, once the pattern is noticed, makes your genuine questions read as manoeuvring. If you have an objection, use the wording for disagreeing instead.