SpeakUp

Getting your point across B1

When you really need someone to get what you mean, plain and clear.

spell out C1 — explain something very clearly and in detailA: I'm still not sure what you want me to do with this data.
B: Okay, let me spell it out for you: you need to organise it by date, then create a summary for each month.

run over B2 — repeat or explain quicklyA: I'm not sure I got everything.
B: No problem, I'll run over the instructions again.

in a nutshell C1 — briefly summarisingA: Why did you decide to move abroad?
B: Well, there were lots of reasons, but in a nutshell, I wanted a fresh start.

Briefing the new starter

Dan: Sorry, can you just run over that last bit again? You lost me.

Priya: Course. In a nutshell, you log your hours here and I sign them off on Friday.

Dan: And do I put my lunch breaks in, or do I leave those out?

Priya: Good question. Leave them out — that's the main thing people get wrong.

Reading the instructions

Lena: I've read it three times and I'm still none the wiser, honestly.

Tom: They don't exactly spell it out, do they? Let me point out the bit that matters.

Lena: Go on then, what's the main point?

Tom: In a nutshell — you can't take it back once it's been opened. That's it.

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