All Ears English Podcast: "This Isn't What I Ordered - How to Ask for the Correct Order in English"

Hosts: Lindsay McMahon and Michelle Kaplan
Release Date: May 3, 2025

Introduction to the Episode

In this episode of the All Ears English Podcast, hosts Lindsay McMahon and Michelle Kaplan delve into a common yet challenging situation for English learners: handling incorrect orders at restaurants and coffee shops. They aim to equip listeners with the language and strategies needed to address such mishaps with confidence and politeness.

Personal Anecdotes and Relatable Experiences

Lindsay and Michelle kick off the discussion by sharing their own experiences with receiving incorrect orders:

• Lindsay McMahon [02:15]: "Sometimes I'll go to a coffee shop and I'll say tall. And they get really upset about that. And yesterday we got called out for that, actually..."

• Michelle Kaplan [02:54]: They recount how phrases like "I ordered a black coffee, and the clerk added sugar and cream" can derail one's morning routine.

These stories set the stage for understanding the frustration and importance of effectively communicating order discrepancies.

Listener Engagement

The episode features a heartfelt message from a listener, Ryan, who expresses his appreciation for the podcast and shares his dedication to improving his English before work. This connection underscores the podcast’s commitment to fostering a supportive learning community.

Step-by-Step Guide to Correcting Orders

The core of the episode is a detailed, four-step approach to addressing incorrect orders:

1. Introduction:

   • Begin with a courteous opener such as "Excuse me" or "Oh, sorry" to gain the server’s attention.
   • Lindsay [09:05]: "Excuse me."
   • Michelle [09:22]: Emphasizes the importance of context, whether seated or in line.

2. Explain the Situation:

   • Clearly and directly state the issue without being confrontational.
   • Michelle [10:33]: "I ordered a black coffee."
   • Lindsay [11:17]: Highlights the effectiveness of the word "actually" to imply the mistake: "I actually ordered a black coffee."

3. Make the Request:

   • Politely ask for the correction, ensuring clarity in your request.
   • Michelle [14:42]: "Would it be possible to get another one?"
   • Lindsay [15:07]: "Could I get this switched out?"

4. Conclude with Gratitude:

   • End the interaction on a positive note by thanking the server.
   • Lindsay [15:24]: "Thank you so much."

Role-Play Demonstration

To illustrate the steps, Lindsay and Michelle engage in a role-play scenario:

• Lindsay (acting as the customer) [18:38]: "Excuse me, I asked for a caramel coffee. I think this is vanilla."
• Michelle (acting as the barista) [18:50]: "Oh, no. Want another one?"
• Lindsay [18:58]: "Could I get it switched out, please?"
• Michelle [18:58]: "Of course. Sorry about that. I'll make it right now."
• Lindsay [19:01]: "Thanks so much."

This demonstration underscores the importance of combining politeness with clarity, ensuring the interaction remains positive and productive.

Practical Tips for Navigating Busy Environments

Lindsay and Michelle address the additional challenge of handling order corrections in busy settings:

• Eye Contact and Confidence:

  • Lindsay [17:56]: "Eye contact. Confidence and eye contact are two really good tips."

• Non-Verbal Cues:

  • Michelle [17:29]: Suggests making a polite gesture to gain attention without appearing rude.

• Maintaining a Positive Vibe:

  • Emphasize kindness to ensure that the server remains receptive and willing to help.

Handling Different Situations

The hosts discuss various scenarios beyond coffee shops, such as ordering salads with dressings or cooking preferences for burgers:

• Salads:

  • Lindsay [07:37]: "I asked for the dressing on the side."

• Burgers:

  • Michelle [07:37]: "Do you order it medium rare? Maybe they cooked it medium or rare."

These examples highlight the versatility of the strategies discussed, applicable to a wide range of dining situations.

Overcoming Awkwardness and Building Confidence

Lindsay shares a personal story about addressing a delayed meal at an Italian restaurant:

• Lindsay [16:17]: "I actually asked for a refund for the meal because it was just, it was stressful."

This narrative emphasizes that while addressing order issues might feel awkward initially, with practice, it becomes a manageable and respectful interaction.

Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts

The episode concludes with essential lessons for listeners:

• Connection Over Perfection:

  • Lindsay [20:13]: "The key is to do it with kindness, but do it with kindness and directness at the same time."

• Empathy Toward Service Staff:

  • Recognize the challenges faced by servers and approach interactions with understanding.

• Practice Makes Perfect:

  • Regularly applying these strategies will build confidence and fluency in handling similar situations.

By the end of the episode, Lindsay and Michelle provide listeners with practical language tools and empathetic approaches to confidently address and correct ordering mistakes in English-speaking environments. This not only enhances communication skills but also fosters positive interactions in everyday scenarios.