Is an integral part of the business. It is difficult to imagine a business person not making arrangements in advance and not making appointments by phone.
People who are active in business spend an enormous amount of money and time conducting business calls. You can make and cancel appointments, clarify the terms of the deal, book tickets and much more without leaving your office by phone.
Here's how you can test the effect of your expression on other people before speaking in English language... Participants often tell us how important the experience is to them and how much safer they made the experience. It's understandable that they are so relaxed in their discussion and can focus on it more easily. We'd love to hear from you who participated in the English course.
You will receive a European certificate at the end of a three-day training course
Speaking English is likely to be a side issue if he is linguistically trained, as with fitness training. The content of your conversation is essential. Which is recognized by institutions and companies in Europe and documents the state of your skills. Perhaps you can add or submit your documents.
But how do you do it correctly in English?
Below is a list of phrases required to communicate on the phone in English.
STARTING A TALK
So, if you call, then at the beginning of a telephone conversation you can use:
Hello, this is….- Hello, this is ...
Peter here.- This…
Hello, my name is ….
- Hello, my name is…
Good morning I'm….- Good morning, this is….
Can I speak to Mr ...., please?
- Can I talk to ...?
May I speak to…?- Can I talk to ....?
I'm trying to contact ...- I'm calling …. (Trying to get in touch).
Hello, is…. there?- Hello, and… is there?
Could you put me through to Mr ..., please?
- Could you connect me with ...?
I'd like to speak to Mr ... if I may.
- I would like to talk to .... if possible.
Mr ...., please.- S ..., please (as a rule, they say to girls on the switchboard in order to connect with some specific person).
Hello, I'm calling from ...- Hello, I'm calling from….
I'm calling on behalf ...- I'm calling from .... (name, company).
I'd like to arrange an appointment.
- I would like to make an appointment with….
I'd like to schedule a meeting with ...
- I would like to make an appointment with….
Could I schedule a time to meet with ...
- May I appoint (choose) a suitable time to meet with….
English and Spanish are the two most important languages in the business world. You cannot see the person you are talking about. It also requires specialized vocabulary. Here are some phrases to make speaking on the phone in English easier than ever! Every phone call should start with an introduction - a suggestion for your call. You must provide your name.
Sometimes you can find it difficult to understand people on the phone. Could you repeat this? You can speak? Sorry, could you tell us? You may need to check some information or clarify what the caller is saying. Here are some phrases.
If they call you, at the beginning of a telephone conversation, the following will do:
… Company (or name) - can I help you?
- The company ... (or my own name), how can I help?
… Speaking.- I'm listening.
Who's calling, please?- Excuse me, who's calling?
Who's speaking?- Who is calling?
Who shall I say is calling?- Transfer who is calling?
Excuse me, where are you calling from?
- Excuse me, where are you calling from?
Hold on a minute, I'll put you through.
- Wait, I'll connect now.
Please hold.- Do not hang up.
Just a second (moment).- Just a minute.
Hang on a moment.- Wait a bit.
I’ll see if he’s in.- I'll see if he is.
I'm afraid he’s just gone.
“I'm afraid he just left.
I'm sorry he’s on another line.
- Sorry, he's busy.
- The line is free, now I will connect.
I'm connecting you now.- I'm connecting.
I'm afraid he’s left can I help you?
- I'm afraid he left, how can I help?
I'm sorry he’s out of the office today.
- Sorry, but he won't be here today.
I'm afraid he’s in a meeting.
“I'm afraid he's in a meeting right now.
I have a problem with you. Finally, here's how to end a conversation in a friendly and polite way. It's nice to talk to you. I have one more call. Mainly because elements of non-verbal communication, such as gesture and sign language, are missing, which would otherwise help us more easily decipher the statement and intent of the conversation partner. In addition, the conversation uses a specific language. The following list of commonly used and useful language resources will help you get by phone in Spanish.
We ask you to repeat
These are the words used by the person making the call. Every challenge must be presented. Usually the person making the call appears and identifies the reason for the call. Sometimes it is difficult to understand everything the caller is saying on the phone. In such cases, you must ask him to repeat the information. Here are some suggested phrases to ask the other person to speak more slowly or slightly louder.
PS Remember that in English it is customary to speak very politely, namely: every refusal is accompanied by “I’m afraid”, “I’m sorry”, and a request or clarification - “please”.
A business conversation is simply necessary for admission to the Kemerovo Mining Technical School!
END OF TALK
If you call
, then at the end of a telephone conversation you can use:
How to ask someone over the phone
You may also need to confirm or explain the information. The following suggestions can help you express a problem on a phone call. And finish some speeches to end the phone call. Ha-sido is not a scattering of hacklar. Most people find it difficult to make phone calls in a foreign language. This is easy to understand because good preparation is essential in order not to be completely embarrassed. This saves time and, above all, nerves. A stuttering or nervous appearance can give the opposite impression, a dubious impression.
Could you tell him that ... please?
- Could you tell him that ...?
Sorry about that.- Sorry (when you made a mistake with the number).
I must have dialed the wrong number.
- I must have been wrong number.
Sorry to have troubled you.- Sorry to disturb you.
Could you give him a message?- Could you tell him ...?
Could you ask him to call me back?
- Could you ask him to call me back?
Could you tell him that I called?
- Could you tell him that I called?
Thanks. I'll call back later.
- Thank you, I'll call you back.
Please ask him call me.- Please ask him to call me back.
Therefore, it is important that you feel comfortable and perfectly prepared for the challenge. Let's start by preparing a business call. This may be your only chance to pass your request on to your call partner.
- This will not lose sight of the overview and purpose of the conversation.
- It is best to make an appointment for a follow-up call.
We ask and answer when the person returns
Things to consider when making a business call in English. If you are too formal, it can be difficult for the other person to talk to you. Not too many "please" and "thank you" or "thank you very much." Every time you ask for something, you get something, you need help or information, you have to thank. This will automatically slow down your call partner. - Avoid being polite to claim that you understand your conversation partner when you are not. Ask your caller to repeat the information until you understand it.
- It is important that you make the right sound.
- On the other hand, you shouldn't be wrong when clapping.
- There is always the right choice in the middle.
- Be friendly and polite.
If they call you, then at the end of the phone call the following will do:
I'm afraid he’s busy, can you call back later?- I'm afraid he's busy now, could you call later?
Can I take a message?- Anything to convey?
- Would you like to leave a message?
Would you like him to call you back?
- Would you like him to call back?
Can I take your number, please?
- Leave the number, please.
OK, I'll make sure he gets the message.
- Well, I will definitely pass it on.
Could you spell it.- Could you spell it?
You must have the wrong number.
“You must be in the wrong place.
I'm sorry, you’ve got the wrong number.
- Sorry, but you got the wrong number.
- Are you sure you called correctly?
I'm sorry there’s nobody here by that name.
- Sorry, but there is no one with that name.
Sorry, I think you’ve dialed the wrong number.
- Sorry, I think you dialed the wrong number.
I'll try and put you through.
- I'll try to connect you with him.
His direct number ...- His direct number ...
You must speak in a professional and friendly manner. So just try it! Make your first call and find out how to do it right. And if it still doesn't work or you're embarrassed, then luckily it fades 😉 Note: If you are using the data in this summary report, refer to it as.
Greetings and introduce ourselves
If you're looking for a challenge for your English skills, just go to your phone. Of course, you cannot see your interlocutor and you cannot use body language. Phone calls are a complex form of communication. But don't worry! We've put together some tips to help you do this over the phone in English.
And at the very end of the telephone conversation, it is appropriate to say: thank you, thank you very much, thank you indeed etc. both for the caller and the person who was called.
OTHER USEFUL EXPRESSIONS FOR TELEPHONE COMMUNICATION IN ENGLISH:
The line is very bad. Could you speak louder?- The line is very bad. Could you speak louder?
Could you speak up please?- Speak louder, please.
Could you repeat that please?- Repeat, please.
I cannot hear you well. Speak louder please.
- I do not hear you. Speak more loudly.
I'm afraid I cant hear you.- Can not hear. I do not hear you.
Sorry. I didn’t catch that. Could you say that again please?
- Sorry, I didn't hear. Could you repeat, please?
Don’t talk so fast.- Not so fast.
Even if you are making a business call, you should take the time to do a little “little talk” before actually speaking. Of course, you always come to where you want to talk about business. If you are talking to a very talkative person, it can be difficult to get back to the topic. If you want to interrupt someone, make them polite.
If you are planning to phone, confirm the details at the end of the call. This can be the hardest part of the whole conversation! You can say a few good wishes, such as luck in this interview, or hope that you will feel better when appropriate. Sometimes it's easiest to mention that you enjoyed the conversation: Well, John, I enjoyed the conversation. It is important that paper and pen are ready when you make the call, as they will provide you with information such as your reference number or meeting point that you must register.
The site where you can learn more about studying at the Kemerovo Mining Technical School -
After talking with my students, I can confidently conclude that even those who have successfully reached the Pre-Intermediate or Intermediate levels are afraid of telephone conversations in English. The main reason is that here you have to rely only on your language capabilities. Facial expressions, gestures, drawings - nothing will help. This is the final exam with tied hands and feet. In addition, life is a b * tch: not only do you need to concentrate strongly only on the sounds of someone else's speech, but also the connection is not the best. To do this, teachers develop listening skills in you and select recordings of telephone conversations, especially those with poor audibility, and the voices of people with accents (you will not always come across British or Americans with a reference pronunciation, do not wait), that is, they prepare you for reality - how for example, our best teachers do it. In order to know exactly what to answer during a conversation on the phone, I offer you a set of the following phrases that you can use as templates and just substitute your x and y.
This is a reference number that you must submit later when you go to a face-to-face meeting. Be very careful with webpages that have been circulating lately when they say they are running a request in exchange for money, as the only thing they are going to do is charge you for calling you and nothing else. Then you also have to go for a personal interview, so much attention.
Transcription of the conversation
Be warned that questions may vary slightly, according to the person serving you, so be prepared for that. Your call may be monitored or recorded for legal or educational purposes and help us improve our services. If you have already applied for a National Insurance number, click "For all other inquiries", please click. Your call may be tracked or recorded for legal or educational purposes and help us improve our services. If you already have a Social Security number, click For any other request, click. If you need to apply for a National Insurance Number, click, if you need to re-register an appointment or receive a request to assign a National Insurance Number that you have already made, please click For All Other National Insurance Numbers, including if you have lost your national insurance number, click. To request a Social Security number, click. To change your appointment date or any questions about your appointment, please click. For any other questions, including if you have lost Social Security, press. So I just need to give you a reference number in the first place for your application, so you want to jot down that number, please? Now the first thing I need to do is give you my reference number for your application, so please can you point it to me, please? Well, when you go, you should bring your passport and document in which you prove yourself, address and any other documents that you have where we can get your identity.
- Please be aware that fees may apply for this call.
- You will be charged at the rate set by your service provider.
- This is a national insurance number allocation service.
- Please note that this call cannot be free of charge.
- You will be charged the fees indicated by your phone.
- This is a social security number assignment service.
- Have you applied before?
- Perfect fit.
- Have you requested a number earlier?
- No, this is the first time.
- Okay, so why do you need a national insurance number, please?
- Okay.
- Please tell me what you want a social security number for?
- What nationality are you?
- No problem.
- What is your nationality?
- Do you have any other nationalities?
- Do you have any other nationality?
- So what is your last name, please. Your last name. Okay.
- Can you tell me your last names?
- What is your date of birth please?
- What is your date of birth?
- What is your name?
- And your postal code, please?
- And what's your zip code please?
- And what is your address please?
- And do you have a phone number please?
- Thank you.
- And do you have a contact phone number, please?
- So are you looking for a job at the moment?
- Are you looking for a job right now?
- Do you have health problems?
- Do you have a disability or health problem?
- So just one moment please.
- Please wait please.
- Yes, please tell me the address.
- Please give me the address.
- If you don't understand, nothing happens.
- Okay, no problem, no problem.
When difficulties arise, you can always let your interlocutor know that you do not understand everything or you may not understand: My English isn "t very strong, could you please speak slowly?(I don't speak English very well. Please speak more slowly) Don't be shy - people will meet you halfway (checked). And do not forget about the manners, try to use Could instead of Can, as well as Please and Thank you.
Answering the call and ways to introduce yourself:
Hello. Can I help you?- Hello, how can I help you? (standard answer to incoming call)
Who is calling, please? / Who's speaking?- Who you are? (please introduce yourself)
Hi! This is Helen.- Hi, this is Elena.
Hello, Petra. This is Jean speaking.- Hello Petra! This is Jin.
Hello, may I speak to Mr. Kelly, please? This is John Ried calling.- Hello, can I speak to Mr. Kelly, please? This is John Reed.
Hello! Could you connect me to Mary Kile, extension 12, please?- Hello! Could you put me through to Mary Kyle, extension 12?
I'm calling on behalf of Mr. Johnson.“I'm calling on behalf of Mr. Johnson.
If you dialed the wrong number:
Are you sure you have the right number?- Are you sure you dialed the correct number?
I must have got the wrong number.“I must have got the wrong number.
You dialed the wrong number.- You dialed the wrong number.
You must have misdialed.- You probably got the wrong number.
Please talk to someone:
Could / May I speak to Anna, please? / I'd like to speak to Anna.- Can I talk to Anna, please?
May I speak to Harry?- Be kind Harry!
Is Olga in?- Is Olga there?
Please wait:
One minute ...- Wait a minute ...
Hold the line, please.- Do not broadcast the tube, please.
Could you hold on, please?- Don't hang up, please.
Please hold. I'll just put you through.- Wait, please, I'll connect you now.
Just a moment, please.- Give me a sec.
Thank you for holding.- Thanks for waiting.
I’ll put you though now / I’ll connect you now.- Now I will connect you.
We answer that a person cannot answer the phone:
Mr Peterson is out at the moment.- Mr. Peterson left.
I'm afraid he’s out at the moment.“I’m afraid he’s not there now.”
I am afraid he’s in a meeting now.“I'm afraid he's in a meeting right now.
He is talking on another phone now.- He is now on another phone.
She is not in the office at the moment.- She's not in the office now.
Line is busy:
The line is busy.- Busy.
I can’t get through at the moment.- I can't get through.
The line's engaged, Could you call back later?- Line is busy. Could you call me back?
Please call back:
Can you call me back, please?- Could you call me back, please?
Could you call again a bit later, please?- Could you call back a little later?
Try calling again later.- Try to call back later.
We ask and answer when the person returns:
When will he be in?- When will he come?
In about 3 hours.- In 3 hours.
Don't be back in 20 minutes.- He'll be back in 20 minutes.
She’ll be back in an hour.“She'll be there in an hour.
We ask and call the phone number:
What is your telephone number?- What's your phone number?
Can you leave your phone number, please?- Could you leave your number?
Could I get your phone number, please?- May I get your number?
My telephone number is ...- My phone number …
You can reach me at ...- You can contact me at the number ...
Call me at ...- Call me on the number ...
We ask and offer to send a message:
May I take a message?- What can I convey?
What message would you like to leave?- What would you like to convey?
Could / Can / May I take a message?- Can I tell him something?
Would you like to leave a message?- Would you like to leave a message?
Can you, please, tell me ...- Please tell me…
Could you give me your name and address?- May I know your name and address?
Could you spell that please?- Could you spell it out?
Tell him I will call in the evening, please.“Tell him I'll call you tonight, please.
Tell him Mary phoned and I'll call again at three.“Tell me that Mary called and I’ll call you back at three.”
I'll make sure he gets the message.“I'll see to it that he gets your message.
But also speak the phone. In this article, you will learn useful words and phrases for speaking on the phone in English, find out why it is more difficult to speak on the phone than in person, and at the end I provide a video with an example of a telephone conversation.
The main difficulty of a telephone conversation in English
The difficulty is that we do not see the interlocutor. Speaking face to face, we not only listen to speech, but also, without realizing it, pay attention to non-verbal (non-verbal) means of communication: gestures, lip movements, eyes, facial expressions, body movements. Sometimes these tools can express more than words. In any case, they greatly help to understand the interlocutor.
How to learn to understand English over the phone?
- Developing listening comprehension is a plus.
- Know telephone vocabulary, expressions (the simplest).
- And, of course, practice.
Listening comprehension is not a matter of memorizing some rules, words, tables and lists, but a matter of purely practice. Like in sports. Reading articles and watching motivational videos will not make you faster, stronger, more enduring - they will only make you exercise, regular workouts. Fortunately, now there are not only easily accessible audio and video recordings in English (YouTube, for example), but also special services for developing listening skills, like.
Note that it is easier to understand the interlocutor on the phone than to understand. In the movies, the heroes speak fluently, but on the phone people still try to speak more clearly and distinctly. They can be asked to repeat a word or phrase - this is not unusual even when talking in native language... Therefore, if you do not understand foreign TV series well, and tomorrow you will be hired for an internship in a foreign company, do not panic: it is much easier to understand living people than the heroes of your favorite sitcoms.
Useful words for talking on the phone in English
| (phone) call | phone call |
| ring | phone ringing (the very sound of a ringing phone) |
| to call, to phone | call |
| cell phone, mobile phone | cellular telephone ( mobile phone) |
| home phone | home phone |
| office phone | work phone (at work) |
| business phone | work phone (number for work calls) |
| corporate phone | corporate phone number (issued by the employer) |
| plan | tariff plan |
| text (text message) | text message (SMS) |
| to text | write SMS, correspond |
| to dial | dial |
| to answer a call | to answer the call |
| to return a call, to call back | call back |
| handset | telephone receiver (landline telephones) |
| to pick up | pick up the phone, answer the call |
| to get through (to someone) | get through (to someone) |
| to hang up | hang up |
| busy signal | busy signal" |
| dialing tone (dial tone) | tone signal (when going off-hook) |
| ringback tone (ring tone) | beeps |
| answering machine | answering machine |
| star, asterisk | star |
| hash | lattice |
How to pick up the phone, call, call back and hang up in English
Probably the most useful words on the list are the four phrasal verbs: to pick up, to get through, to call back, to hang up.
- to pick up- answer the call, pick up the phone.
Your phone is ringing. Pick it up... - Your phone is ringing. Answer.
You can also say to answer the call Is a more formal option.
One second, please, I have to answer the call... - One second please, I have to answer the call.
- to call back- call back.
Oh, sorry, I'm kinda busy now, can you call me back later? - Oh, I'm sorry, I'm kind of busy now, you can later call back?
A more formal option is to return the call.
This is Tom Wilson returning your call... - This is Tom Wilson, you asked call back(lit .: This is Tom Wilson calling you back)
Note: The phrase “This is *** returning your call” is one of the standard phrases in business phone calls.
- to get through- to get through.
Did you get through? - You got through?
I couldn’t get through to her.- I could not before her get through.
- to hang up- hang up the phone, end the conversation.
Don’t hang up! - Not hang up!
There is also an expression to hang up on someone \ something- hang up the phone, interrupting the conversation.
She hung up on me! - She hung up! (talking to me)
I had to hang up on that rude talk. - I had to hang up in response to this rude conversation.
Difference between office phone, business phone, corporate phone
Under office phone they understand the telephone set in the office and the number of this telephone:
My office phone is broken, I’m calling from my cell phone. - My work phone broke down, I'm calling from my cell.
Please write down my office phone... - Please write down my work phone number.
Under business phone usually understand a work phone number:
I don’t have his cell phone number but we can google his business phone... - I don't have his cell phone number, but we can Google him work number.
Corporate phone Is a mobile phone that the employer gives out to employees. In Russian, they usually say "work phone" or "corporate phone".
What is your corporate phone policy? - What are your rules of use corporate phones?
Dialing tone and ringback tone
Dialing tone Is a continuous tone signal (beep) that is heard if you pick up the handset of a working phone. If there is no dial tone, then the phone is not working.
Ringback tone- these are "beeps" in our understanding. That is, the beeps when we got through. If there are beeps, then the subscriber's phone is already ringing (phone is ringing).
Talking on the phone in English: useful phrases
| Introduce yourself by phone | |
|---|---|
| Hi, it's Mark (informal) | Hello, this is Mark (informally) |
| Hello, this is Mark speaking | Hello, says Mark (calling someone) |
| We answer the call | |
| Hello? | Hello? |
| Mark speaking | This is Mark \ Mark speaking (answering the call) |
| Doctor Johnson's office. How can I help you? | Dr. Johnson's office, how can I help you? (answering the call) |
| We let you know who we want to talk to | |
| Is Bill here? (informal) | Is Bill here? (informally) |
| I'd like to speak to Bill | I would like to talk to Bill |
| Can I speak to Bill? | Can I talk to Bill? |
| Answering a request to talk to someone | |
| Speaking | It’s me (if the person they want to talk to picks up the phone) |
| Who shall I say is calling? | How can I introduce you? (How do I tell who is calling?) |
| Hold the line, please (hold on the line) | Don't hang up, please. |
| I'm sorry but he is not available at the moment | Unfortunately, it is currently unavailable (it is not) |
| He is out of the office now | He's not in the office right now |
| I'm transfering your call | I connect you (transfer the call) |
| May I take a message? | May I receive a message? (to give him something?) |
| We ask you to transfer something, call back | |
| May I leave a message? | May I leave a message? (you can give him a message from me) |
| Please ask him to call me back | Please ask him to call me |
| Hello, this is Bill, you asked me to call you back | Hello, this is Bill. You asked to call back |
| This is Bill returning your call | This is Bill calling you back (This is Bill, you asked me to call you back) |
| Thank you for calling back | Thank you for calling back |
| I do not understand | |
| I didn’t catch (get) your name | I didn't hear your name |
| Could you repeat your name, please? | Could you repeat your name, please? |
| How do you spell your name? | How is your name spelled? |
| I’m sorry I did not understand you | I'm sorry, I did not understand you |
| I'm afraid I did not get your point | I'm afraid I didn't understand you |
| Can you repeat please? | Could you repeat? |
| Could you speak (a bit) slower please? | Could you speak (a little) more slowly? |
| Could you speak louder please? | Would you speak louder, please |
| I can’t hear you | I do not hear you |
| We end the call | |
| Thank you for calling. Bye for now | Thanks for the call, see you soon |
| Thanks for your help. Bye | Thanks for your help, goodbye |
After talking with my students, I can confidently conclude that even those who have successfully reached the Pre-Intermediate or Intermediate levels are afraid of telephone conversations in English. The main reason is that here you have to rely only on your language capabilities. Facial expressions, gestures, drawings - nothing will help. This is the final exam with tied hands and feet. In addition, life is a b * tch: not only do you need to concentrate strongly only on the sounds of someone else's speech, but also the connection is not the best. To do this, teachers develop listening skills in you and select recordings of telephone conversations, especially those with poor audibility, and the voices of people with accents (you will not always come across British or Americans with a reference pronunciation, do not wait), that is, they prepare you for reality - how for example, our best teachers do it. In order to know exactly what to answer during a conversation on the phone, I offer you a set of the following phrases that you can use as templates and just substitute your x and y.
When difficulties arise, you can always let your interlocutor know that you do not understand everything or you may not understand: My English isn "t very strong, could you please speak slowly?(I don't speak English very well. Please speak more slowly) Don't be shy - people will meet you halfway (checked). And do not forget about the manners, try to use Could instead of Can, as well as Please and Thank you.
Answering the call and ways to introduce yourself:
Hello. Can I help you?- Hello, how can I help you? (standard answer to incoming call)
Who is calling, please? / Who's speaking?- Who you are? (please introduce yourself)
Hi! This is Helen.- Hi, this is Elena.
Hello, Petra. This is Jean speaking.- Hello Petra! This is Jin.
Hello, may I speak to Mr. Kelly, please? This is John Ried calling.- Hello, can I speak to Mr. Kelly, please? This is John Reed.
Hello! Could you connect me to Mary Kile, extension 12, please?- Hello! Could you put me through to Mary Kyle, extension 12?
I'm calling on behalf of Mr. Johnson.“I'm calling on behalf of Mr. Johnson.
If you dialed the wrong number:
Are you sure you have the right number?- Are you sure you dialed the correct number?
I must have got the wrong number.“I must have got the wrong number.
You dialed the wrong number.- You dialed the wrong number.
You must have misdialed.- You probably got the wrong number.
Please talk to someone:
Could / May I speak to Anna, please? / I'd like to speak to Anna.- Can I talk to Anna, please?
May I speak to Harry?- Be kind Harry!
Is Olga in?- Is Olga there?
Please wait:
One minute ...- Wait a minute ...
Hold the line, please.- Do not broadcast the tube, please.
Could you hold on, please?- Don't hang up, please.
Please hold. I'll just put you through.- Wait, please, I'll connect you now.
Just a moment, please.- Give me a sec.
Thank you for holding.- Thanks for waiting.
I’ll put you though now / I’ll connect you now.- Now I will connect you.
We answer that a person cannot answer the phone:
Mr Peterson is out at the moment.- Mr. Peterson left.
I'm afraid he’s out at the moment.“I’m afraid he’s not there now.”
I am afraid he’s in a meeting now.“I'm afraid he's in a meeting right now.
He is talking on another phone now.- He is now on another phone.
She is not in the office at the moment.- She's not in the office now.
Line is busy:
The line is busy.- Busy.
I can’t get through at the moment.- I can't get through.
The line's engaged, Could you call back later?- Line is busy. Could you call me back?
Please call back:
Can you call me back, please?- Could you call me back, please?
Could you call again a bit later, please?- Could you call back a little later?
Try calling again later.- Try to call back later.
We ask and answer when the person returns:
When will he be in?- When will he come?
In about 3 hours.- In 3 hours.
Don't be back in 20 minutes.- He'll be back in 20 minutes.
She’ll be back in an hour.“She'll be there in an hour.
We ask and call the phone number:
What is your telephone number?- What's your phone number?
Can you leave your phone number, please?- Could you leave your number?
Could I get your phone number, please?- May I get your number?
My telephone number is ...- My phone number …
You can reach me at ...- You can contact me at the number ...
Call me at ...- Call me on the number ...
We ask and offer to send a message:
May I take a message?- What can I convey?
What message would you like to leave?- What would you like to convey?
Could / Can / May I take a message?- Can I tell him something?
Would you like to leave a message?- Would you like to leave a message?
Can you, please, tell me ...- Please tell me…
Could you give me your name and address?- May I know your name and address?
Could you spell that please?- Could you spell it out?
Tell him I will call in the evening, please.“Tell him I'll call you tonight, please.
Tell him Mary phoned and I'll call again at three.“Tell me that Mary called and I’ll call you back at three.”
I'll make sure he gets the message.“I'll see to it that he gets your message.
Sure. I "ll tell her you called.- Of course, I'll tell you that you called.
Please repeat:
Could you, please, repeat that?- Could you repeat it, please.
I’m sorry, I didn’t get that / I didn’t catch that. Could you say it again, please?- Sorry. I didn't quite understand. Could you repeat what you said?
I’m sorry I can’t hear you very well.- Sorry. I can not hear you very well.
Bad connection:
This is such a terrible line (It’s a really bad line). I can’t hear a thing.“I can't hear anything - a terrible connection.
The line just went dead.- Disconnected.
This line is so poor.- Very bad line.
Can you speak a bit louder, please?- Could you speak a little louder?
Sorry, can you speak up?- Excuse me, could you speak louder?
We ask for a phone number:
Please give me the telephone number of ...- Please give me a phone number ...
Do you know the number for…?- Do you know the number ...?
Could you tell me the number for ...?- Could you tell me the number ...?
End of conversation:
Look forward to hearing from you soon.- I look forward to your next call.
Thank you for calling.- Thank you for calling.
It’s been nice to talk to you.- It was nice to talk to you.
Talk to you soon.- See you later. (informal)
Speak to you again soon.- See you later.
Important phrasal verbs:
hold on- wait
‘Could you hold on a moment, please?’
(Please wait)
hang on- wait, wait (informal)
'Could you hang on a moment, please?'
Ring-ring! The article is dedicated to those who want to learn how to conduct a conversation on the phone in English beautifully and competently. Basically, we will focus on workflows. With the help of our phrases for a telephone conversation in English, you will learn how to correctly greet the interlocutor or answer a greeting, find out who called and ask to leave a message, make an appointment or leave an important message for a partner, and much more. Enjoy reading!
The most important rule when talking on the phone is not to be afraid of difficulties. If you did not understand something during the conversation, inform the interlocutor about it:
My English isn "t very strong. Could you speak slower, please?
I'm not very good at English. Could you speak more slowly, please?
Do not hesitate, people will meet you halfway. And don't forget to be polite, try to use " could" instead of " can" , as well as " please" and " thank you».
How to greet an interlocutor
Any conversation, as you know, begins with a greeting or an acquaintance:
Hello.
Hello.
This is Nick Carter calling.
Worried about Nick Carter.
Nick Carter here.
This is Nick Carter.
It’s Nick Carter from "Green House" here.
This is Nick Carter of Green House.
After introducing yourself, don't forget to ask an important question:
Is it convenient for you to talk at the moment?
Is it convenient for you to talk now?
If, suddenly, your interlocutor is busy, immediately clarify whether it is possible to call back and what time will be the most suitable:
Can I call you back?
May I call you back?
Could you tell me the best time to call you back?
Please tell me when is the best time to call you back?
How to answer a greeting on the phone
Let's imagine the opposite situation: you got a call and introduced yourself. What is the correct answer?
Start with the standard Good morning / afternoon / evening, then use the following phrases:
It's "Green House". How may I help you?
This is the Green House company. How can I help you?
"Green House", Nick Carter speaking. How may I be of help?
Green House, Nick Carter on the phone. How can I help you?
"Green House", Nick Carter speaking. Is there anything I can do for you?
Green House, Nick Carter on the phone. Can I help you?
Or such a situation: you are very busy at the moment and cannot talk.
Sorry, I "m busy at the moment.
I'm sorry, I'm busy right now.
And don't forget to politely ask the other person to call you back later.
Could you call back a bit later, please?
Could you call back a little later?
And if the person was wrong with the number? In this case, use one of these phrases:
What number are you calling?
What number are you calling?
Sorry, you must have the wrong number.
Sorry, you must have got the wrong number.
Sorry, you’ve got the wrong number.
I'm sorry, you have the wrong number.
You must have misdialed.
You must have dialed the wrong number.
How to clarify information about the caller
If the interlocutor did not introduce himself, be sure to specify who is calling you and for what purpose. In such a situation, the following phrases will help you:
Who is calling, please?
Please, introduce yourself.
May I ask who's calling?
May I ask who is calling?
Can I have your name, please?
May I have your name, please?
Where are you calling from?
Where are you calling from?
Could you tell me what it’s about?
Could you tell me the purpose of the call?
Could you tell me the purpose of the call?
Who do you want to speak to?
Who would you like to talk to?
What company are you calling from?
Which company are you calling from?
How to ask the right person to connect you
You call the company and the wrong person answers you. Ask a coworker to connect you with the right person. Use phrases like this:
Can I speak to Ann?
Can I talk to Anna?
Can I get to Ann, please?
May I speak to Ann, please?
Can I talk to Anna, please?
Could I speak to Ann, please?
Can I talk to Anna, please?
Could you put me through to Ann, please?
Could you connect me to Anna, please?
Is Ann there, please?
Please tell me if Anna is there?
How to ask to wait for the connection with the right person
The opposite situation: you pick up the phone and understand that the caller wants to talk not with you, but with another employee. Ask the other person to wait a little. The following phrases will help you with this:
Hold the line, please.
Please stay on line.
One moment please.
One minute please.
I "ll put you through to him / her.
I will connect you with him / her.
Please hold and I "ll put you through to his office.
Please wait and I will connect you to his office.
One moment, please. I'll see if Ann "s available.
One minute please. I'll see if Anna can answer the phone.
What to do if a bad connection
You are calling, but the interlocutor cannot hear you - there is interference on the line. Do not be discouraged, these phrases will help you out (or not, because the connection is bad):
Can you hear me?
You hear me?
I can "t hear you.
I can not hear you.
It "s a bad line. I can barely hear you!
Bad connection. I can barely hear you!
Could you please speak up a little?
Could you speak a little louder, please?
Could you speak a bit louder, please?
Could you speak a little louder, please?
Sorry, I did not get that.
I'm sorry, I did not catch you.
Could you please repeat that?
Could you repeat that?
Come again?
Repeat?
Could you say it again, please?
Sorry, I didn't understand what you said. Could you repeat, please?
You said his name was Alex, right?
You said his name was Alex, right?
Let me repeat that just to make sure.
Let me repeat to make sure I get it right.
Could you please call me back? I assume we have a bad connection.
Could you call me back? I guess we have a connection problem.
How to make an appointment by phone
Are you calling someone to make an appointment but don't know how to do it? Then the following phrase templates are for you. They sound polite and will help you negotiate with a co-worker.
I'd like to arrange an appointment.
I would like to make an appointment.
When is it convenient for you?
When is it convenient for you?
Would next Monday be okay?
Is next Monday convenient for you?
I can make it after six.
I can meet you after six o'clock.
Shall we say, 6:30 next Monday, at the "Green House" office?
So at 6:30 on Monday at the Green House office?
How to politely interrupt someone on the phone
You are on the phone and suddenly a question arises during the conversation, and you need to interrupt the interlocutor to clarify the information. You can do this politely with the following phrases:
Wait a minute, please. What about ...?
Wait a minute! What about...?
Would you mind if I just say something here?
Would you mind if I say something now?
Hold on a second. May I add something here, please?
Wait a second. Can I add something please?
How to ask to tell someone that you called
Have you called your foreign partners, but the person you need is not there? Ask to inform him about your call and do not forget to leave your contact details.
Could you please tell her Nick Carter from "Green House" called?
Could you please tell her that Nick Carter from Green House called?
Tell her I will call tomorrow, please.
Please tell her that I will call tomorrow.
Please, tell her Nick Carter phoned and I'll call again at half past six.
Please tell her that Nick Carter called. I'll call you back at 18:30.
Could you ask her to call me back?
Could you ask her to call me back?
She can reach me at 777-5555.
She can reach me at 777-5555.
How to receive a message for someone
You got a call and asked to hand over the phone to a colleague, but he is not there. You need to politely inform that the person cannot answer the phone and offer to leave a message.
I "ll let him know you called.
I'll tell him that you called.
What is your number?
What's your phone number?
Would you like to leave a message?
Would you like to leave a message?
I "m sorry, Nick" s not in at the moment. Can I ask who "s calling?
Unfortunately, Nick is not there. May I know who is calling?
He "s busy right now. Could you please call back later?
He is busy at the moment. Could you call back later?
I'm sorry, he’s on another call at the moment.
Unfortunately, he is now speaking on a different line.
How to leave a message on an answering machine
You have called, but no one is answering your call. The answering machine has triggered and you need to leave a message.
Hello, this is Nick Carter calling for Ann. Could you please call me back as soon as possible? My number is 777-5555. Thank you.
Hello, this is Nick Carter, I need Anna. Please call me back as soon as you can. My number is 777-5555. Thank you.
What message to record for your answering machine
Take the time to write down a message for your answering machine. This will help you avoid missing important calls. The text might look like this.
Thank you for calling. There’s no one here to take your call at the moment. Please, leave your message after the signal, and I'll get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you.
Thank you for calling. There is no one near the phone to answer your call. Please leave a message after the beep and I will call you back as soon as I can.
Hello, this is Nick Carter. I "m sorry I" m not available to take your call at this time. Please, leave a message and I "ll get back to you as soon as I can. Hello, this is Nick Carter. I'm sorry, but I can't answer your call right now. Please leave me a message and I will call you back as soon as I can.
Yes? ... Ha-ha! Just kidding, this is voicemail. Leave a message if you got something to say. If you ain "t got something to say, then don" t leave anything. Bye!
Yes? ... Ha ha! Just kidding, it's an answering machine. Leave a message if you have anything to say. If you have nothing to say, then leave nothing. Till!
Goodbye by phone
You have successfully talked on the phone, and now it is time to end the conversation. How can this be done correctly? To do this, you need the following phrases:
It’s been nice talking to you.
It was nice to chat with you.
I hope I "ve been informative.
I hope I was able to help you.
Have a nice day.
All the best.
Thanks for calling. Goodbye.
Thank you for calling. Goodbye.
Goodbye, Ann.
Goodbye, Anna.
We advise you to use our simulator to consolidate words on the topic "Telephone conversation"
An example of a telephone conversation in English (with translation)
Now let's look at a couple of examples of talking on the phone in English.
Secretary: Good morning, "Best Motors" Company. How can I help you?
Jack: Hello, this is Jack Wharton speaking. Could I speak to Nick Stanley, please?
Secretary: Oh, I'm afraid Mr. Stanley isn’t here at the moment. Would you like to leave a message?
Jack: Certainly. Would you, please, ask him to call me back? I need to talk to him urgently!
Secretary: Yes, of course. Thank you for your call.
Jack: Thanks, bye.
Secretary: Good bye.
Receptionist A: "Cassat" Company. Can I help you?
Patrick: Yes, I would like to speak to Mr. Green, please.
Receptionist 1: Do you have an extension for him?
Patrick: No, I don "t, but I know he is in the delivery department.
Receptionist 1: Hold on, please. I "ll ring that department.
Patrick: Thank you.
Receptionist B: Delivery department, Miss Elliot.
Patrick: Mr. Green, please.
Receptionist B: Mr. Green is on the other line at the moment. May I know who "s calling to let him know?
Patrick: This is Patrick Brown. Mrs. Priesley suggested that I call him.
Receptionist B: Will you hold on or would you like to leave a message?
Patrick: I "ll hold on, thank you.
Mr. Green: Mr. Green speaking. How can I help you?
Patrick: Yes, my name is Patrick Brown. A mutual friend of ours, Susan Priesley, referred me to you. I am interested in changing careers, and she thought you would be a valuable source of information for me.
Mr. Green: Mrs. Priesley, of course. How can I help you?
Patrick: I would like very much to come up and speak with you. Would you be willing to give me a few minutes of your time?
Mr. Green: Well, my schedule is a little tight. When would you like to meet?
Patrick: Whenever it is convenient for you.
Mr. Green: Well, can you make it after five o'clock some day next week?
Patrick: Yes, absolutely.
Mr. Green: Fine, then how about 5:15, Wednesday, my office?
Patrick: Next Wednesday at 5:15 then. Thank you very much, Mr. Green.
Mr. Green: You "re welcome. Hold on, my secretary will give you directions.
Patrick: Thank you. See you on Wednesday!
Conclusion
So, if you practice these phrases, then during a telephone conversation in English, they will be remembered instantly. Great idea- practice with one of your colleagues or friends: call each other, and let at least part of the telephone dialogue be in English. Go for it!
Big and friendly family EnglishDom
Hello everyone! We continue to talk!
Talking on the phone in English can be stressful. We often have to resolve various issues over the phone, whether it be meeting with a friend or booking a table in a restaurant. The following dialog examples will help you get ready.
- Using the example of this dialogue, you can learn take a call in English.
| - Hello! Can I speak to Sarah? | - Hello! Can I talk to Sarah? |
| - Hello! Who's asking? | - Hello! Who's asking? |
| - It’s John, we work together. | - This is John, we work together. |
| - Wait a second, I'll call her. | - Wait a second, I'll call her. |
- In this telephone conversation, the young man asks his colleague for a phone number common friend.
| - Hi, John! | - Hi John! |
| - Hi, Sarah! How are you? | - Hi Sarah! How are you? |
| - Fine, thanks. You? | - OK, thanks. And you have? |
| - I'm fine too. Listen, I wanted to ask you if you know Lisa's phone number. I wanted to ask her on a date. | - I'm good too. Listen, I wanted to ask if you know Lisa's number. I want to ask her out on a date. |
| - Lisa's? Let me see. Yes, I think I have it. | - Lisa? Let me think. Yes, I think there is. |
| - Could you give it to me, please? | - Could you give it to me, please? |
| - All right, I hope she won’t mind. +44 5674889903. | “Okay, I hope she doesn't mind. +44 5674889903. |
| - Thank you so much, Sarah! See you tomorrow at work. | - Thank you very much, Sarah! See you at work tomorrow! |
| - See you! Good luck! | - See you! Good luck! |
- This dialogue provides an example of a more formal telephone conversations between the secretary and the visitor.
- Dialog between two girlfriends.
| - Hello! Ann, is that you? | - Hello! Ann, is that you? |
| - Mary! What's up? | - Mary! What's new? |
| - I want to go to the cinema tomorrow evening, wanna join? | - I want to go to the cinema tomorrow night, do you want to join? |
| - Sure! What do you want to watch? | - Certainly! What do you want to see? |
| - There is a new romantic comedy with Taylor Lautner ... | - A new romantic comedy with Taylor Lautner has been released ... |
| - Oh I love this actor! And at what time you wanna go? | - I love this actor! And what time do you want to go? |
| - It starts at 7 pm. What do you think? | - Beginning at 7. What do you think? |
| - I’d love to go! Should we invite someone else? | - I'll go with pleasure! Will we invite someone else? |
| - Maybe Kate wants to come, she likes Lautner too. | - Maybe Kate wants to go, she likes Lautner too. |
| - Okay, I'll call here now and ask. | - Okay, I'll call her now and ask her. |
| - Great! See you tomorrow! | - Fine! See you tomorrow! |
| - See you. | - See you. |
- This conversation takes place between two classmates.
| - Hello! I'd like to speak to Adam Johnson. | - Hello! I would like to speak with Adam Johnson. |
| - Hello! It's Cara Johnson, his sister. I'll call him now. | - Hello! This is Kara Johnson, his sister. I'll call him now. |
| - Okay, thank you. | - OK, thanks. |
| - Hey, this is Adam. Who's speaking? | - Hi, this is Adam. Who is speaking? |
| - It’s Jacob, we’re in Biology class together. | - This is Jacob, we go to biology together. |
| - Sure I remember you, what’s up? | - Of course, I remember you. How are you? |
| - Ms. Golden asked me to call everyone and ask if they want to go to the National Museum next Tuesday. | “Mrs. Golden asked me to call everyone and ask if they would like to go to the National Museum next Tuesday. |
| - Instead of the lesson? | - Instead of a lesson? |
| - Yes. Everybody present will be granted ten points. | - Yes. Everyone who comes will receive 10 points. |
| - Okay, I'm in! | - Excellent, I am for! |
| - Great! If there are any more details, I'll let you know. | - Wonderful! If there are any new details, I will let you know. |
| - Thanks. See you. | - Thank you. See you. |
- An example of how reserve a hotel room by phone.
| - Hello! Is this the “Northern Hotel”? | - Hello! Is this Northern Wanted? |
| - Hello, sir. Yes, how can I help you? | - Hello, sir! Yes, how can I help you? |
| - I would like to book a room in your hotel. Is it possible? | - I would like to reserve a room at your hotel. Is it possible? |
| - Of course. What date? How long are you going to stay? | - Certainly. On what date? How long are you going to stay here? |
| - From 8th till 14th of April. | - From 8 to 14 April. |
| - Perfect. Would you like a single or a double room? | - Fine. Would you like a room for one or two? |
| - A double room, please. I am traveling with my wife. | - Two, please. I am traveling with my wife. |
| - With a view on the mountains or on the sea? | - With a view of the mountains or the sea? |
| - On the mountains, please. | - To the mountains, please. |
| - All right. We happen to have a couple of available rooms with the view on the mountains. Could you please tell me your name and your phone number? | - Good. We just have several spare rooms with mountain views. Could you tell me your name and phone number? |
| - Jason Lee. And my number is +56 7899002319. | - Jason Lee. And my phone number is +56 7899002319. |
| - Ok, thank you. Wait a second… Your booking number is 432568. | - OK thanks. Wait a second ... Your booking number is 432568. |
| - Should I pay in advance? | - Do I need to pay in advance? |
| - No, you can pay after you arrive in the hotel. Also, in case you have to cancel, it is free as well. | - No, you can pay after you arrive at the hotel. Also, if necessary, cancellation of the reservation is free. |
| - That’s great, thank you! Good bye! | - Great, thanks. Goodbye! |
| - Good bye. | - Goodbye. |
- So it is possible book a table in a restaurant in English.
| - Hello! This is “Red Dragon”. How can I help you? | - Hello! This is the "Red Dragon". How can I help you? |
| - Hello! I would like to reserve a table for today at 8 pm. | - Hello! I'd like to reserve a table for 8pm tonight. |
| - I am terribly sorry, madam, but for today it is all full. | “I'm sorry, but there are no vacancies for today. |
| - What about tomorrow? | - And for tomorrow? |
| - Yes, it is possible. Tomorrow at 8 pm? | - Yes it is possible. Tomorrow at 8 o'clock? |
| - That’s right. | - Right. |
| - Very well. Could you please tell me your full name? | - Fine. Could you tell me your full name? |
| - Karen Bennett. | - Karen Bennett. |
| - And for how many people? | - How many people? |
| - For ten people. | - On 10. |
| - Will you need a birthday cake? | - Would you like a birthday cake? |
| - No, thank you, it's just a business meeting. | - No thanks, this is a business meeting. |
| - No problem. All right, tomorrow, 10th of August a reservation at 8 pm for ten people. Please do not be late. | - No problem. Okay, tomorrow 10th August booking for 8pm for 10 people. Please don't be late. |
| - Thank you very much. Good bye. | - Many thanks. Goodbye. |
| - Good bye. | - Goodbye. |
Having studied the examples of these dialogues, you can independently explain yourself over the phone in English, both in business and in informal communication.
