Would you mind explaining it again, please?” “Sorry, I didn’t quite catch that.” (Or, for example, “I didn’t catch your surname” when you want someone to repeat their name for you.) “I’m sorry, could you repeat that please?” When you don’t understand what someone says “I’m sorry, the line’s bad – could you repeat what you just said?” Here are some things you can say if you have problems during the phone call: Or “(Tom McIvor) asked me to call you.” Telephoning in English problems Or “(Tom McIvor) suggested that I call you.” You: “I’m calling on behalf of (Tom McIvor)…” Other person: “Hello, what can I do for you?” You: “Hello, this is (Sarah Brown) calling, from (McIvor Worldwide).” You don’t know the person, so you should introduce yourself and mention your colleague’s name. Perhaps a colleague has asked you to call someone. Telephoning in English – calling someone you don’t know Remember, if you haven’t spoken to the person before, or don’t know them, then social talk is inappropriate – get straight to the reason for your call. To introduce the subject of your call, you can use words such as ‘anyway’, or ‘well’, or ‘right’. You: “Yes, I can! Anyway, I’m calling about…” Other person: “Well, we’re pretty busy, as you can imagine.” You could ask about a project you know the person is working on, or a mutual friend, or the person’s family. If someone asks you how you are, respond (positively!) and return the question. You might also want to add your company name: “This is (Tom McIvor) from (McIvor Worldwide).” You: “Hello, this is (Tom McIvor) speaking.” or “Hello, this is (Tom McIvor).” If you know the person, or have spoken before, it’s normal to chat for a few seconds before saying why you are calling. Receptionist: “Yes, certainly.” or “Yes, of course.” Social talk on the phone If the receptionist doesn’t offer to take a message, you can ask to leave one. The receptionist uses “I’m afraid” or “I’m sorry” if he or she can’t connect you. Receptionist: “Does he have your number?” or “What’s your number, please?” You: “Could you ask him to call me back?” or “Could you ask him to return my call?” But they won’t be offended if you ask for their name. Even at home, they normally pick up the phone and say “Hello”. Many people don’t identify themselves when they make or receive a phone call. Receptionist: “May I ask who’s calling?” or “Could I have your name, please?” You: “Can I speak to (Mr Smith), please?” or “Is (Mr Smith) there, please?” Here are examples of typical telephoning language: For instance, is “clare, at, gmail, dot, com”. Saying email addresses on the is pronounced ‘at’. If the second part of the number was ‘5555’, you’ll probably find it easier to say ‘double five – double five’. When you say a seven digit number, separate the number into two blocks of three and four, pausing after each block.Įach digit is spoken separately, unless it’s a double or triple. “Zero-one-seven-one, triple two, double three, double four.” “Oh-one-seven-one, triple two, double three, double four.” Tip: Keep a note of how you say these letters by your telephone. ‘z’ is pronounced ‘zed’ (rhymes with ‘bed’ in British English), or ‘zee’ (rhymes with ‘sea’ in American English). ‘g’ is pronounced like the ‘j’ in ‘jeans’ If you need to spell your name, or take the name of your caller, the biggest problem is often saying vowel sounds: Here are some useful tips and phrases for telephoning in English.
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