Unit 8 – Telephoning-1
A. Making A Call
1. Introducing yourself
Good morning, Yasmine speaking (person receiving call)
Hello, this is Yasmine Alcaide from Spike British School. (caller) Hi, it’s Yasmine from Melbourne. (caller, informal)
Hi, Yasmine here. (caller, informal) Hey George. It's Lisa calling. (informal) Hello, this is Julie Madison calling.
Hi. It's Angelina from the dentist's office here. (informal)
2. Explaining the purpose of your call
I’m phoning about…
I need some information about…
It’s in connection with…
I’d like to…
I’m ringing to….
3. Asking to speak with someone
Hi. Is Nina there? (informal)
Can you put Michael on? (informal)
Can I talk to Josef? Tell him Marilyn's calling. (informal)
May I speak to Mr. Green in the accounting department, please?
Good morning. Is Dr Martin available, please?
I’d like to speak to Mr. Jones, please.
Could I have the Accounting Department, please?
5200911230
Could you put me through to Mrs. Weaver, please?
Could I have extension 234, please?
Could I speak to someone in the Accounting Department?
Is Mr. Robinson there, please?
4. Leaving a message
Could you give him/her a message?
Can I leave him/her a message?
Please ask him/her to call me back. My number is…
Please ask him/her to ring me back.
Please ask him/her to get back to me.
Can I leave a message?
Would you mind giving her a message?
Would it be possible to leave a message?
Could you tell her Jonathon called?
Could you ask him to call Paul when he gets in?
I don't think he has my number. Do you have a pen handy?
Thanks. It's James Brown and my number is 222 3456.
5. Leaving an answering machine or voicemail message
Hey Mikako. It's Yuka. Call me, OK? (informal)
Hello, this is Ricardo calling. Could you please return my call as soon as possible?
My number is 334 5689. Thank you.
Hi, Anderson. This is Marina from the doctor's office calling. I just wanted to let you know that you're due for a check-up this month. Please call us to make an appointment at your earliest convenience.
6. Ending a conversation
Well, I guess I'd better get going. Talk again soon, OK? (informal) Thanks for calling. Bye for now.
I have to let you go now.
I have another call coming through. I'd better run.
I'm afraid that's my other line.
I'll talk to you again soon. Bye Jules.
B. Exercise
I. Match the phrases with their meaning.
Phone English Meaning
1. available A. I want to speak about
2. call back B. Don’t hang up
3. I’m calling about C. phone again
4. leave a message D. reachable, ready
5. Please hold the line E. connect me with
6. put me through to F. leave a note
7. suit G. be convenient for
II. Use the phone English to fill the gaps in the dialogue.
TELEPHONIST Douglas Marine Engineering. How can I help you?
MARIE NEMO Hello. Could you ...Mr. Douglas, please.
TELEPHONIST Yes. Could you tell me who’s calling, please?
MARIE NEMO Yes, my name is Marie Nemo ... repairs to my submarine.
TELEPHONIST Could you hold the line please, Ms. Nemo?
after a short while
TELEPHONIST Hello. I’m afraid Mr. Douglas is in a meeting right now. Would you like to
...?
put me thru
im calling about
leave a message
MARIE NEMO No, it’s okay. Can you tell me the best time to ... ? TELEPHONIST After lunch, at 4:30, say.
MARIE NEMO Thank you and goodbye.
At 4:30
MARIE NEMO Hello, this is Marie Nemo again. Is Mr. Douglas ...
now?
TELEPHONIST Yes, he is. Just a moment. ... . MR DOUGLAS Ah, Ms. Nemo. How can I help you?
MARIE NEMO Hello, Mr. Douglas. I’d like to arrange a meeting to talk about my submarine.
MR DOUGLAS Of course. Would Monday morning ... you?
MARIE NEMO I’m afraid not. How about Tuesday?
MR DOUGLAS That would be fine. Let me see. Would 10 o’clock be convenient for you? MARIE NEMO Perfect. I look forward to our meeting.
MR DOUGLAS Me, too. Goodbye.
MARIE NEMO Goodbye.
call back
available
please hold the line
suit
