I picked up that very useful phrase from a passive mentor* of mine years ago. It comes out once in a while in discovery sessions and in sales meetings.
While adding a bit of self-deprecating humor to a situation, it also conveys that you’re working with your audience to understand what they’re trying to get across. And with the mix of business process, technology, new ideas, and salesmanship floating around any business meeting, it really can take a little bit for something to sink in.
It can get your audience to rephrase, re-approach, and even re-think how they’re explaining things to you. They can get downright considerate for you, which is the opposite of the way sales situations are often perceived- a sales team trying to pull a fast one.
So keep it in your back pocket.