How to read a phone number in English. Talking on the phone in English

Many of us use our phones even more often than we communicate with people in person, and there are times when our desire to call coincides with the desire of another person to make a phone call. When this situation occurs, Clint Eastwood's quote comes to mind:

I"ve had moments when I"ve thought about somebody, picked up the phone to call them and they are on the line already, and I think that maybe there"s some vibration, some connection...

There have been moments in my life when I thought about someone, picked up the phone to call, and this person was already on the line, and I think that perhaps there is some kind of vibration, some kind of connection between people ...

Clint Eastwood

A conversation is a dialogue between two or more people, which can take place in a cafe, on the street, in a park, at school or in a disco club. Participants in a conversation always need to be polite, well-mannered and pleasant interlocutors in order to feel comfortable maintaining communication in the future. You should not be completely immersed in your phone if there is a person sitting in front of you, as this is very impolite.

Pay attention to the picture. Translation of the phrase: “Do you mind if I stick your phone on my forehead so that at least it seems to me that you are looking at me when I talk to you?”

Phone conversation ( telephone conversation, a conversation over the telephone) is always more difficult to conduct than a normal conversation. This is a way of communication when we share information with each other only through words and cannot convey information through facial expressions and gestures. With such communication, we focus only on the person’s voice and try to listen to the intonation, catch every word and quickly select the necessary phrases for the feedback.

Now imagine that we are about to have a telephone conversation with a business partner or pen pal, and in front of us is a person who speaks only English. On top of everything else, communication problems can be added, so in such a situation it’s easy to get confused, lose the thread of what was said, be embarrassed to ask your interlocutor again and doom yourself to complete failure...

However, there is no need to panic, because this is not a tragedy, and the following phrases can come to our aid:

There's a lot of background noise. I can't hear you very well. Can I call you back? – There is a lot of extraneous noise here. I can't hear you well. Can I call you back?

This is a bad connection. Please hang up and I’ll call you back. - Very bad connection. Please hang up and I will call you back.

In a telephone conversation, our task is to demonstrate confidence and thus make a good impression on the interlocutor, which is formed in the first 30 seconds of communication.

The main thing is to try to concentrate and avoid slight confusion, otherwise your trembling voice may work against you, which means that control over the situation will be lost, and it is unlikely that you will be able to restore your former trust. Remember: it is easier to prevent a mistake than to correct it!

At some point, it may even seem to you that the interlocutor did not understand you. This is normal, because he also needs time to get used to your speech speed. Your interlocutor may ask you to repeat something several times, so it will be useful to write down what you want to say on a separate piece of paper so as not to lose your train of thought during the conversation ( write down what you may be going to sау).

You also have the right to ask again if you missed something from the conversation, because this is quite natural. The following phrases will help:

Could you repeat your last phrase, please? – Could you repeat the last phrase, please?

Sorry, I didn't catch you. - I'm sorry, I did not understand you.

Over the phone you may be asked to spell out your first or last name; for this you can use Spelling(dictate the letters as they sound in) or international intercode (in case they can’t hear you at all):

International Alphabet

Alpha	November
Bravo	Oscar
Charlie	Papa
Delta	Quebec
Echo	Romeo
Foxtrot	Sierra
Golf	Tango
Hotel	Uniform
India	Victor
Juliet	Whiskey
Kilo	X-ray
Lima	Yankee
Mike	Zulu

Each letter is associated with a specific word, and we will name these very words to avoid spelling errors.

For example:

Peter Johnson

You should say: P apa E cho T ango E cho R omeo.
And then: J uliet O scar H otel N ovember S ierra O scar N ovember.

Useful phrases for telephone conversations

It is important to master thematic vocabulary in order to pronounce the right phrase in time, and therefore I recommend memorizing the expressions below.

Let's say hello and introduce ourselves:

Hi! This is Helen. - Hello, this is Elena.

Hello, Petra. Jean is speaking. - Hello, Petra! This is Jin.

It"s Julia here. - This is Julia.

This is Pamela. - This is Pamela.

We invite you to call:

Could/Can/May I speak to..., please? – Can I talk to... please?

May I speak to Harry? - Please, Harry!

Is Jane in? – Is Jane there?

We answer that the person is not there:

He is not here. - He's not there.

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 here right now.

Jane isn't here right now. - Jane isn't here right now.

I am afraid he’s in a meeting now. - I'm afraid he's at a meeting now.

He is talking on another phone now. – He’s talking on another phone now.

She is not in the office at the moment. - She's not in the office right now.

We ask and answer when the person will return:

When will he be in? - When will he come?

In about 3 hours. - In about 3 hours.

Not "ll be back in 20 minutes. – He will return in 20 minutes.

She'll be back in an hour. - She'll be there in an hour.

We ask about the possibility of calling 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 calling back later.

We ask and give the phone number:

What is your telephone number? – What is your phone number?

Can you leave your phone number, please? – Could you leave your number?

Could I get your phone number, please? – May I know your number?

My telephone number is... - My phone number...

You can reach me at... – You can contact me at...

Call me at... – Call me at number...

We ask and invite you to tell us something:

Can you please tell me... – Tell me, please...

Can I get your name? - May I know your name?

What message would you like to leave? – What would you like to convey?

Could/Can/May I take a message? – Can I give him something?

Would you like to leave a message? – Would you like to leave a message?

Is there any message? - Anything to pass on?

Tell him I will call in the evening, please. - Tell him I'll call you in the evening, please.

Tell him Mary telephoned and I’ll call again at half past two. – Tell me that Mary called, and I’ll call you back at 14:30.

Answer to the request:

Yes, certainly, I’ll pass on your message. - Yes, of course, I will pass on your message.

I'll make sure he gets the message. “I will make sure he receives your message.”

We ask you to repeat:

Can you repeat what you said, please? – Please repeat what you said.

Could you repeat that, please? - Could you repeat it, please.

I"m sorry, I didn"t get 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’t hear you well.

We suggest you call back:

Please call again... – Call back, please...

We ask you to wait:

One minute... – Just a minute...

Hold on a minute... - Wait a minute...

Can/Could you hold the line, please? - Don't hang up, please.

Please hold. I'll just put you through. – Wait, please, I’ll connect you now.

Please phone number:

Please give me the telephone number of... - Please give me the telephone 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...?

If the connection is bad:

This is such a terrible line (It "s a really bad line). I can’t hear a thing. - I don’t hear anything, the connection is terrible.

Sorry, it’s too noisy here today. - Sorry, it's very noisy here today.

The line just went dead. - Disconnected.

This line is so poor. - Very bad line.

If the line is busy:

The line is busy. - Busy.

I’m sorry, but the line is engaged at the moment. - I'm sorry, but the line is busy right now.

I can't get through at the moment. - I can't get through.

Please speak louder:

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 inform you about the need to charge your phone:

I need to recharge my mobile. My battery"s very low. - I need to recharge my phone, the battery is almost empty.

My battery"s about to run out. - My battery is almost empty.

I need to charge up my phone. – I need to charge my phone.

If you dialed the wrong number:

I must have got the wrong number. “I must have the wrong number.”

You dialed the wrong number. – You dialed the wrong number.

You must have misdialed. – You probably have the wrong number.

Please send by e-mail:

How about sending me it by email? – Maybe you could send me this by email?

We express the need to make a call:

I have to make a phone call. - I need to call.

Can I use your phone? It's urgent! - Can I use your phone? It's urgent!

End of conversation:

Look forward to hearing from you soon. – I look forward to your next call.

It"s been nice to talk to you. - It was nice to talk to you.

A lot of useful phrases are collected in the article “Talking on the phone in English: useful phrases + 12 tips.” Required material to study!

Hello, dear friends! Having understood the use of ordinal and cardinal numerals, fractional numbers, the name of dates. Today we will get acquainted with the nuances of using numbers when calling a phone number in English. We will also get acquainted with the rules of pronunciation of passport details and bank accounts, so that various misunderstandings do not arise when filling out documents, booking a room or table by phone.

Red phone

Most likely, most often we need to dictate our phone number. And here a lot of confusion and confusion arises, since in English The phone number is pronounced completely differently than in Russian.

Remember the famous hit of the late 90s of the 20th century by the Chameleon group “Twelve Eighty Five and Two Zeros”? In approximately this way, we dictate a phone number in Russian. True, at the same time, there is a possibility of confusing “twelve” and “twenty” by ear. Therefore, professional signalmen, for example, instead of “fifty” they call “half a hundred”, “half a hundred and seven”, etc.

As far as English is concerned, here things are even worse: in addition to the “fifty-fifteen” pair, “forty-fourteen”, “thirty-forty” and “thirty-thirteen” are easily confused. Therefore, Anglophones dictate such data differently to avoid mistakes. For example, the phone number “12−85−00” that has sunk into the souls of the musicians of the group “Chameleon” in English would be pronounced like this: “ one two eight five double oh” - one two eight five two zero/zero zero.

As you have already noticed, repeating numbers are also called differently. But first things first. For example, in our native language we read the operator or city code by numbers, but the number itself is most often combined into blocks - tens and hundreds: 0 726 234 567 89 - Zero seven hundred twenty six five hundred sixty seven eighty nine.

dialing a number in English Americans and British pronounce each digit separately, while zero is pronounced not as usual “zero”, but as “oh” [əu]. Moreover, identical numbers next to each other are combined using the word “double”: 66 - double six NOT!!! six six, 00 — double oh, 22 — double two NOT!!! two two.

But here, too, the numbers are combined into blocks of three, thanks to pauses and intonation. After each group, the intonation rises (as when listing something), and a falling tone is used at the end: 0 726 143 557 89 - o h, seven two six, one four three, double five seven, eight nine. However, if a block contains a combination with two trailing zeros, then it can be read like this: 100 - one hundred, 800 - eight hundred.

Other numbers

Other numeric sequences are read in a similar way: for example, passport data, credit card numbers, serial strokes of products, product codes, numerical indicators of orders, invoices and receipts, etc. Certain codes follow a certain format and contain special characters:

/ - slash - fraction
: - colon [koʊlən] - colon
- — dash - dash
. - dot - dot
; - semicolon ["semɪ‚kəʋlən] - semicolon
, - comma [ˈkɔmə] - comma
— space - space

For example, when reading passport data in English, which contains both letters and numbers, the letters are called as in the alphabet, and the numbers are called each separately.

VISA In bank numbers, credit cards and other similar number sequences, the numbers are combined in blocks of four with an ascending rhythm and intonation. In this case, as in telephone numbers, each digit is pronounced separately: 9317 5290 2047 5402 - nine three one seven, five two nine oh, two oh four seven, five four oh two.

I think the information given here will be useful to you and will serve as a good guide for you in various conversational situations with English-speaking interlocutors. Even if, after everything you’ve read, you still have unanswered questions, feel free to ask them in the comments.

Until next time, happy studying!

Hello? Is that Gloria?

Yes! Hello? Who's speaking?

It's Nick. Nick Edmonds.

Oh, hi, Nick! I didn't recognize your voice. How are you?

I'm OK, thanks, Gloria. Is Cathy in?

Yes, she must be in her room. Could you hang on, please? I'll just get her.

Good afternoon. Tower Investment Bank. May I help you?

Hi. I would like to talk to Mr. Clinton from the accounting department, please.

May I ask you who is calling?

My name is Bruno Ponti. I’m calling from an advertising agency.

Thank you, Mr. Ponti. Just a moment, please. Let me check if Mr. Clinton is in his office.

Thank you for waiting. I’m sorry but Mr. Clinton isn't available at the moment. Would you like to leave a message or shall I ask him to call you back? Does he have your number?

I believe he does. But I can give it to you, just in case.

All right. Go ahead, please.

My number is 046 78345.

OK. And would you mind repeating your name?

Sure. Bruno Ponti. I can spell it: B-R-U-N-O P-O-N-T-I.

Thank you, Mr. Ponti. I'll ask Mr. Clinton to call you back as soon as possible today.

Thanks a lot. Bye.

- “Jordan Furniture”. Mandy is speaking. Can I help you?

Good morning. I'm calling on behalf of Mr. Franks from London Design Studio. Could I speak to someone who deals with reconstruction works?

Sorry, I didn't catch that. Could you speak up, please?

I’d like to talk to your chief engineer, please.

Certainly, sir. Hold on a moment. I'll put you through.

Hello. Can I speak to Estella, please?

Speaking. Who's calling?

Oh hi, Estella. This is Sally. I couldn’t get you through yesterday. The line was engaged. Is everything OK with you?

Hello Sally. I was just thinking about you. Yes, we're fine. Don't worry.

Hi. Is Edward home?

No. He has just popped out to the bank.

OK. When will he be back?

He shouldn’t be long, I hope.

Could you ask him to ring me back, please?

Sure. Who should I say phoned?

It’s Sam, from the golf club.

Has Edward got your number?

Can I speak to Helen?

Mmmm. Who is this?

It's Anna speaking. Are you her brother?

No, Anna. I am afraid you've dialed the wrong number.

Oh, I'm sorry!

Translation

Hello? Is this Gloria?

Yes! Hello! Who's speaking?

This is Nick. Nick Edmonds.

Okay, thanks, Gloria. Is Katie at home?

Yes, she should be in her room. Wait a minute please. I'll call her.

Okay. Thanks.

Good afternoon. Tower Investment Bank. Can I help you with something?

Hello. I'd like to speak to Mr. Clinton in the accounting department, please.

May I know who is calling?

Thank you Mr Ponti. Just a moment please. I'll check to see if Mr. Clinton is there.

Certainly.

Thank you for waiting. I'm sorry, but Mr. Clinton is unable to answer the phone at this time. Will you leave a message for him, or ask him to call you back? Does he have your phone number?

I think yes. But I can leave you one more time, just in case.

Fine. Speak.

My number is 046 78345.

OK. And please repeat your name.

Certainly. Bruno Ponti. I'll spell it: B-R-U-N-O P-O-N-T-I.

Thank you Mr Ponti. I will ask Mr. Clinton to call you back as soon as possible today.

Thank you very much. Goodbye.

- Jordan Furniture. Mandy is on the phone. Can I help you?

Good morning. I'm calling on behalf of Mr Franks from London Design Studio. Can I speak to the person doing the renovation work?

Sorry, I didn't hear. Would you speak louder, please?

I'd like to speak with the chief engineer.

Of course, sir. Just a moment please. I'll connect you.

Thank you.

Hello. Can I talk to Estella?

I'm listening. Who is calling?

Oh, hi, Estella. This is Sally. I couldn't reach you yesterday. The line was busy. Are you okay?

Hello Sally. I was just thinking about you. Everything is fine with us. Don't worry.

Hello? Is Edward home?

No. He just went to the bank.

Fine. When will he return?

Many people have to work telephone conversations in English. For some business conversation on the phone in English- a simple matter, but still for many talking on the phone in English- this is stressful, especially until it becomes a habit and becomes a routine activity.

Today we’ll talk about how to properly structure a dialogue on the phone, pay attention to special vocabulary, and arm ourselves with useful phrases for talking on the phone in English.

Let's start, perhaps, with the vocabulary that you need to know in order to feel more confident during a conversation.

Vocabulary for telephone conversations.

Types of phone calls:

	Call at the subscriber's expense
	Local call
A long-distance call / a trunk call	Long distance call
	Personal call
	Urgent call

Useful nouns:

Useful verbs and expressions

Answer a call / Pick up	Answer the call
	Request a call
Call/phone/ring up	Call
Connect/put through	Call
Cut off/disconnect	Disconnect
Get someone over the phone	Catch someone on the phone
	Hang up
Hold on / hold the line	Wait by the phone
	Leave a message
	To make a call
	Find out/settle
Speak over the phone	Talking on the phone

Call back/phone back	call back

Let's move on to talking on the phone in English.

We answer the call.

When answering a call in English, you need to tell the subscriber where he has reached and say hello. Example phrases:

XCompany,goodmorning.– Company X, good morning.
Green's office, can I help you?- Mr. Green's office, how can I help?
Sales Department speaking.– Sales department is in touch.
John Green speaking. / This is John Smith. – John Green is on the phone.
JohnGreenhere.– John Green is on the phone. (informal option)

If you are calling someone, you should greet them by introducing yourself and clarifying the purpose of your call. You can do this as follows.

Good morning, Greg Smith speaking. I"d like to speak to Mr. Brown, please. — Good morning, Greg Smith speaking. I'd like to talk to Mr. Brown.
CouldyouputmethroughtoMr.Brownplease? — Could you put me through to Mr. Brown, please?
I'dliketospeaktoMr.Brownaboutdeliveries,please. – I would like to talk to Mr. Brown about supplies, please.
I am (just) calling to inform you…— I’m (just) calling to let you know...

Let's imagine this situation: you pick up the phone, but the person the caller needs is temporarily absent. In this case, you can use the following phrases:

Green has stepped away from his desk for a moment. I expect him back very shortly.- Mr. Smith just came out for a minute. He'll be back soon.
He is not in at the moment.- He’s not there at the moment.
He is not in just now.- He’s not there at the moment.
He is out of the office at the moment. — He left the office at the moment.
He has left for the day.“He left town for a day.
I"m afraid he is out / away / off at the moment. Can I take a message?“I’m afraid he’s not here at the moment.” What shall I tell to him?
May I take a message?- Can I take a message?
Would you like to leave a message?— Would you like to leave information for him?
MayIhavehimcallyou?– Should I tell him to call you back?
I'lltellhimyoucalled.- I'll tell him that you called.
I'll have him to phone you.- I'll tell him to call you back.
I'll give him your message as soon as he gets back.– I will give him your message as soon as he returns back.
I'll ask him to give you a call.– I’ll ask him to call you back.

If during the conversation you did not understand something, do not hesitate to ask again. You can do this using the following phrases.

I'm sorry. Ididn'ttgetthename(number).— Sorry, I didn’t hear the name (phone number).
Wouldyourepeatthatnumber,please?– Could you repeat the phone number?
Wouldyouspellthatforme,please?– Could you spell it?
Did you say...?- You said...?
Let me repeat to make sure I understand what you said. – Let me repeat to make sure that I understood you correctly.
I want to be sure that I have this right.– I want to make sure that I understand you correctly.
I"dliketobesurethatIunderstand.– I would like to make sure that I understand you.
That’s ... (repeat number or spelling the name), isn’t it? – This is... (repetition of number or surname), isn’t it?

If during a conversation you need to be distracted for a while, use the following phrases:

Hold on just a moment, please.- Wait by the phone for a minute.
Ihaveanothercall;willyouholdon,please?— They’re calling me on another phone, could you wait a minute?
Holdon;I'llbewithyouinamoment.– Wait by the phone, please, I’ll be back on the phone soon.
Please hold on while I get that information. Thank you for waiting. – Please wait while I receive the information. Thanks for waiting.

If you need to make an appointment by phone, you can say the following.

I"m phoning to arrange a meeting.— I'm calling to arrange a meeting.
I'd like to see Mr. Jones. IshefreeonMonday? — I would like to meet Mr. Jones. Is he free on Monday?
How about 2 o'clock?– How about 2 hours?
Is he coming there soon?– Will he be back soon?
Are you meeting the clients tomorrow? – Are you meeting with clients tomorrow?
CouldyoumanageMonday?– Will you be able to do it on Monday?
What about Tuesday?- How about Tuesday?
Shall we say two o'clock?– Say, at 2 o’clock in the afternoon?
I’m sorry, I"m out all day.- Sorry, I won't be there all day.
Tuesday would be fine.— Tuesday suits me

How to end a phone conversation in English? It's simple!

Thank you for calling, Mr. Green. I’m glad I was able to help.— Thank you for the call, Mr. Green. I was glad to help you.
You"rewelcome,sir.Goodbye.- Please, sir. Goodbye.
I look forward to seeing you.- Looking forward to our meeting.

Telephone conversation in English. Examples of dialogues.

Dialogue on the phone 1.

Receptionist 1: 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 2: Delivery department, Miss Elliot.

Patrick: Mr. Green, please.

Receptionist 2: Mr. Green is on the other line at the moment. May I tell him who's calling?

Patrick: This is Patrick Brown. Mrs. Priesley suggested that I call him.

Receptionist 2: Will you hold on or would you like to leave a message?

Patrick: I"ll hold on, thank you.

Mr. Green: Mr. Green speaking; 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 were you thinking of meeting?

Patrick: Whenever it is convenient for you.

Mr. Green: Well, can you make it after five o’clock some day next week?

Patrick: Yes, I can.

Mr. Green: Fine, then how is 5:15, Wednesday, at my office?

Patrick: Next Wednesday at 5:15 is fine. Thank you very much, Mr. Green.

Mr. Green: You're welcome. Hold on — my secretary will give you directions.

Patrick: Thank you. See you Wednesday.

Dialogue on the phone 2.

Switchboard: Company X. Can I help you?

Phillip: Could I speak to Mr. Brown, please?

Secretary: Just a moment, please. . . . I"m afraid his line"s engaged.

Phillip: I"ll hold, (music)

Switchboard: Sorry to keep you waiting, (music)

Secretary: Mr. Brown's office.

Phillip: Can I speak to Mr. Brown, please? This is Phillip Morris from Haxter Computers.

Secretary: I"m afraid he"s in a meeting. Can I take a message?

Phillip: Yes. Could you ask him to call me back. My name is Phil Morris - M-O-R-R-I-S. My number is 308 2017 and my extension is 462.

Secretary: Phil Morris. 308-2170 extension 462

Phillip: No, 2017, not 2170. .

Secretary: Sorry, 308-2017 extension 462.

Phillip: That's right. I'll be in all the day.

Secretary: Right, thank you, Mr. Morris. Goodbye. Goodbye.

I hope these phrases for talking on the phone in English, as well as examples of dialogue, helped you. Good luck with international telephone conversations!

It's no secret that the telephone has long become an integral part of our daily lives. Effective business communication over the phone has its own characteristics and secrets, which should not be forgotten. Our article is for those who strive for successful business communication with native English speakers via telephone.

“There is no such thing as a good call at 7 AM. It"s been my experience that all calls between the hours of 11 PM and 9 AM are disaster calls.”

“There’s no such thing as a good call at 7 a.m. In my experience, all calls between 11:00 and 9:00 are distress calls."

~ Janet Evanovich

Basic rules for business communication over the phone

Telephone conversations are more difficult than live ones in that the interlocutor is not visible, it is impossible to track his non-verbal reaction, which is often much more frank than words.

Before you begin a business conversation in English, you need to develop certain general telephone communication skills.

Preparing to speak English on the phone

Before making a call, you need cope with your internal tension. First of all, try to focus on the upcoming conversation and relax. After all, the interlocutor does not see you and, hearing the tension in your voice, he may form an erroneous opinion about you. A man may seem more stubborn and stubborn, while a woman may seem unbalanced and unpredictable, and such people in business are very difficult to deal with.

Important!

Try to overcome your fear of the microphone. To do this, you can introduce your interlocutor. It's very good if you know what it looks like. After all, it is much easier to have a conversation with a living person than with a soulless telephone receiver.

Take the call initiative into your own hands. This will give you many advantages. Firstly, you will be able to conduct the conversation in a direction that is beneficial to your company. And secondly, it will be much easier for you to adjust psychologically, since you will have the opportunity to prepare for the upcoming call, think it over, and arrange it in a logical chain.

Consider the timing of your call carefully. It is better not to call about important issues in the morning and at the end of the working day; it is also not recommended to try to resolve important issues before the weekend or on holidays. Before you call, make a conversation plan. Write down the main issues that need to be discussed.

How to behave while talking on the phone

Always speak briefly, without deviating from the main topic of conversation– save your time and the time of your interlocutor. Business partners will definitely appreciate this. The rules for talking on the phone with clients suggest that effective negotiations take 3-4 minutes.

When preparing for a telephone conversation in English, write down the phrases you want to use, and also keep an online translator at hand - this will give you more self-confidence. Keep a small notebook or notebook for business conversations in English. A business person will not use scraps of paper or calendar sheets for this.

Important!

When communicating on the phone, 55% of information is lost, as there is no body language and gestures. 38% of information is remembered through intonation and only 7% of information is conveyed by words.

Practice your phone conversation several times Bring the use of phrases in English to automaticity and you are guaranteed success. The peculiarity of the phone is that it enhances speech impediments. You need to carefully monitor your diction and pronunciation. Recording and listening to your telephone conversations will help you improve your negotiation techniques.

How to start a telephone conversation in English?

It is the greeting stage that can be the key to a successful outcome of the entire conversation. It is very important to set the mood of the conversation and give it an emotional coloring. It is important to immediately show the interlocutor that he is dealing with a business person.

Welcome phrases in English on the phone

How to ask to connect with the right person

How to clarify information about your interlocutor in English

Phrase in English	Translation
Who am I speaking to?	Who am I talking to?
Sorry, who am I speaking to?	Excuse me, who am I talking to?
Is that you Jennifer?	Are you Jennifer?
Is that Louise? / Is that Louise speaking? Yes, speaking. / Yes, it’s me.	Is this Louise? / Is that Louise on the phone? Yes I. / Yes it's me.
Sorry, I didn't recognize your voice.	Sorry, I didn't recognize your voice.
I’ve just been speaking to someone from your department about x, but I didn’t catch their name / I forgot to ask their name.	I was just talking to someone from your department about x, but I didn't catch his name / I forgot to ask his name.
I was speaking to a man / woman yesterday afternoon.	I spoke to a man/woman yesterday afternoon.
I was speaking to someone called James in the x department, but I don’t have his last name or phone number, do you have any idea who it might be?	I spoke to someone named James in department x, but I don't know his last name or phone number, do you know who he might be?
What did you say your name was?	What did you say, what is your name?
Your name was?	Your name is?

Phrases for solving problems during a telephone conversation

Phrase in English	Translation
Michelle: Hello, you"ve reached the marketing department. How can I help?	Michelle: Hello! You called the marketing department. How can I help?
Male: Yes can I speak to Rosalind Wilson, please?	Man: Can I speak to Rosalyn Wilson?
Michelle: Who's calling please?	Michelle: Please identify yourself.
Male: It's Richard Davies here	Man: This is Richard Davis.
Michelle: Certainly. Please hold and I’ll put you through.	Michelle: Please stay on the line, I will connect you.
Male: Thank you.	Man: Thank you.
Michelle: Hello marketing. How can I help?	Michelle: Hello, this is the marketing department. How can I help?
Male: Could I speak to Jason Roberts please?	Man: Can I speak to Jason Robert please?
Michelle: Certainly. Who shall I say is calling?	Michelle: Certainly. How can I introduce you?
Male: My name's Mike Andrews.	Man: My name is Mike Andrews.
Michelle: Just a second. I'll see if he's in. Hello, Jason, I’ve got Mike Andrews on the phone for you ... OK - I’ll put him through. Hang on a moment, I’m just putting you through.	Michelle: Just a second. I'll check to see if he's there. Hello Jason, Mike Andrews on the line...Okay. I'll connect you. Wait a minute, I'm connecting you.

Examples of videos of telephone conversations

In this video you can see and hear how to answer phone calls in English correctly.

Always remember business phone etiquette. Never break his rules. In the next article we will talk about how to leave and receive messages from your interlocutor when speaking in English.

Let's summarize:

Before you call, you need to outline a clear conversation plan and cope with physical and psychological stress.
During a conversation, you need to follow the rules of telephone etiquette.
To have a successful conversation in English, you need to learn the most common phrases and prepare the questions you want to ask. Don't forget to rehearse your upcoming phone conversation.
After the telephone conversation, be sure to analyze your mistakes so as not to repeat them again.

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