Repair in oral communication refers to the process of correcting or modifying a message that was not understood or was misunderstood during a conversation. Repair can occur in various forms, such as repeating, rephrasing, or revising a message. Repair can be initiated by either the speaker or the listener, and it is an essential part of effective communication, especially in situations where there is a communication breakdown. Repair strategies can be used to prevent communication breakdowns by ensuring that the message is clear and understandable. Repair strategies can also be used to help individuals with hearing loss to participate in conversations by adjusting the communication situation to suit their needs. Some common repair strategies include:

• Repeating: Saying the same message again, but with different emphasis or tone to make it clearer.

• Rephrasing: Saying the same message in a different way to make it easier to understand.

• Clarifying: Asking questions or providing additional information to ensure that the message is understood.

• Summarizing: Restating the main points of the message to ensure that the listener has understood the message correctly.

• Correcting: Providing the correct information to replace incorrect or misunderstood information.

Repair strategies can be taught to individuals to improve their communication skills, especially in situations where there is a high risk of communication breakdowns, such as in language learning or in situations where there is a language barrier.