Do you ever struggle when making a phone call in English? Don’t worry, you are not alone! Many people feel nervous about taking and making phone calls in English. Even advanced English speakers can have trouble when speaking English on the phone. Let’s take a look at some great phrases to improve your confidence and telephone manner!
Answering the phone is important as it sets the tone for the rest of the call. Don’t forget to speak loudly and clearly and slow down for the person on the other end (it’s not a race!).
Making a call in English can be a scary task sometimes. Whether you have to make an appointment with the doctor, contact someone at a different company or request information, here are some great opening lines to try:
You’re on the phone but the speaker says something that you don’t understand, what do you do? First of all, don’t panic! Many people struggle when speaking to others on the phone. If you don’t understand something, don’t be afraid to ask them to repeat. Remember that the other person needs to make themself understood and it is in their best interests to make sure you have understood 100%.
For us British folk, politeness can go a long way on the phone! In your requests, try to include modal verbs, especially polite ones, such as: may, could, should and would. Some languages can be very direct, but British speakers tend to use softer indirect expressions when asking for something. Dropping a please or thank you at the beginning or end of a sentence can also help make your phone call sound polite.
The caller wants to speak to someone, but they aren’t available! You could use one of the following telephone phrases:
You’ve tried calling but it’s going through to voicemail. You have no choice but to leave a message. It’s a good idea to write down what you want to say beforehand. Keep the message “short and sweet” and make it very clear. You can explain in more detail when they call you back.
Congrats! You’ve made it through to the end of the call. How do you make sure you finish the call well and leave a good impression?
If you have to spell a word on the telephone, it is worth learning the military alphabet. British people use this to clarify spellings over the phone. Practise spelling your name, for example my name is Jen so I would say: “J for Juliet, E for echo, N for November”. If you can’t remember the correct word, don’t worry and just make one up! J for Jasmine, E for Elephant, N for Neptune is perfectly fine for most calls.
|
Email Symbols | Pronunciation |
.com | Dot Com |
.es | Dot Eeh Ess |
@ | At |
.co.uk | Dot Co Dot You Kay |
Try to spell out the following using the Military Alphabet…
Answers:
Me: Hello, I’d like to book an appointment with Doctor Smith?
Receptionist: No problem, can I take your name, please?
Me: Carol Bennett
Receptionist: Is that V for Victor?
Me: No, that’s B for Bravo.
Receptionist: Ok great. Is Monday morning convenient for you?
Me: That would be perfect.
Receptionist: I’ve booked that in for you at eight-thirty.
Me: That’s great. Thank you, goodbye.
PA: Hello, Sunshine Headquarters, Marlene speaking. How may I help?
Me: Hello, this is Ben Parker from Accounting. May I speak to Mrs Lewis, please?
PA: Sure, I’ll put you right through.
Hello again Mr. Parker. I’m afraid she’s in a meeting at the moment. Could I take a message?
Me: Yes, please. Could you tell her I called and ask if she could phone me back this afternoon?
PA: Sure, can I take your number?
Me: Of course, it’s 07889932543.
PA: Thanks, I’ll pass the message on.
Me: Perfect. Thanks for your help, goodbye.
Sarah: Hello?
Me: Hi, this is Jen, you busy?
Sarah: No, what’s up?
Me: I’m moving house on Saturday and I’m gonna need some help with all the boxes.
Sarah: Sure, I’d be happy to help. What time are you thinking?
Me: Let’s say 9am?
Sarah: What’s that?
Me: I said 9am.
Sarah: I thought so, I was just checking I heard right. That’s a bit early for a Saturday, but sure, if you pick me up.
Me: No probs. I’ll give you a bell. See you then!
Sarah: No worries, take care.
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