Useful Language for Telephone Conversations

Useful Language for Telephone Conversations

v  For the caller

v  Asking for connection

v  I’d like to speak to …

v  Could you put me through to …?

v  Could I speak to someone in the Finance Department please?

v  Asking receiver to leave a message

v  I wonder if I could leave a message.

v  Could I leave a message?

v  Explaining the purpose

v  I’m calling/phoning about …

v  The reason I’m calling is …

v  It’s about …

v  It’s in connection with …

v  I’m returning her call.

v  For the receiver

v  Identifying oneself

v  Good afternoon, South China Construction Ltd.

v   Can I help you?

v  This is Alice Neilson speaking.

v  It’s David Smith here.

v  Billy Cheung here.

v  Making the connection

v  Just a moment, please.

v  I’m putting you through.

v  Finding out who is calling

v  Who’s calling, please?

v  Who’s that speaking?

v  May I ask who’s calling, please?

v  I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your name.

v  Keeping caller on hold

v  Hold on a moment please.

v  Just a moment please.

v  Could you hold a moment please?

v  One moment please.

v  Presenting reasons for unavailability

v  I’m afraid Ms Watson is in a meeting at the moment. Could I take a message for her?

v  I’m sorry Mr Wilkin’s extension is busy. Can I help?

v  I’m sorry Mr Wilkin’s on another line. Can he call you back?

v  Mr Hill is out of the office at the moment. Would you like to leave a message or call back later?

v  Taking messages

v  Could you spell that for me please?

v  Could you repeat that please?

v  Could I check the spelling of your name?

v  Could you just go over that again please?

v  Let me repeat that. …

v  Other Functions

v  Asking for information

v  I’d like to know whether/if …?
Could you tell me …?
I wonder if you could tell me …?
I have a question about …

v  Making and changing appointments

v  I’m afraid I won’t be able to make the meeting on Monday afternoon.

v  Would Tuesday afternoon be convenient?

v  Could we make it on Friday afternoon instead?

v  Is Tuesday at ten OK for you?

v  What about next Saturday?

v  Dealing with a problem: clarifying how you can help

v  So how can we help you?

v  What do you suggest we do?