What is an example of a communication repair strategy?

A communication repair strategy is a method used to restore understanding in a conversation when a breakdown occurs due to unclear or ambiguous communication. Asking the partner to clarify a missed part of the conversation is a prime example of this strategy. By directly requesting clarification, individuals can effectively address misunderstandings and ensure that the dialogue continues smoothly.

Clarifying questions enable the speaker to provide additional information or rephrase their earlier statements, facilitating better comprehension. This proactive approach helps maintain the flow of conversation and accentuates the importance of effective communication between individuals.

While the other options may involve responding to communication difficulties, they do not serve the primary function of directly repairing communication breakdowns like requesting clarification does. For instance, providing new information may inadvertently lead the conversation in a different direction without resolving the original misunderstanding. Similarly, ignoring unclear statements or changing the topic does not address the existing confusion and may hinder effective communication altogether.