A telephone conversation in English is the topic of this article, in which we will consider: how to introduce yourself correctly, how to call someone to the phone, ask again if something is not clear, report a connection interruption, give examples of expressions and common phrases with translation for business phone call.

Regular telephone conversation in English

Presentation options during a call:

A telephone conversation in English begins with introducing yourself:

Hello, this is Linnet(Hi, this is Linnet)
Tom speaking(Tom says)

Avoid saying I'm Luke - such a performance is only acceptable for an agent who is going to make a phone presentation of something.

If you want to know who you are talking to, ask one of the following questions:

Hello, Is that Mr Morrison?(Hello, is this Mr. Morrison?)
Is that Peter speaking?(Is that Peter?)
Is that Mr Morrison speaking?(Mr. Morrison speaking?)

Are you Peter? Are you Mr Morrison? - unacceptable options, they are considered rude

You can invite another person to the phone as follows:

I'd like to speak to Jane please(please I would like to talk to Jane)
May/Сould/Сan I speak to the managing director?(Can I speak to the managing director?)
Good Morning, could you please put me through to Mr Smith?(Good morning, could you connect me to Mr. Smith?)

If you are asked to connect with another person:

Leave a message or ask for a call back:

Could you take a message?(Could you leave a message?)
Can/could I leave a message?(Could I leave a message?)
Could you ask him/her to call me back?(Could you ask her/him to call me back?)

Receive a message from a caller:

Can I take a message?(May I receive a message?)
Would you like to leave a message?(Would you like to leave a message?)

If you do not understand something while talking to someone on the phone, ask again:

Can you repeat that, please?(Can you repeat this please)

Under no circumstances should the pronoun be omitted. that, otherwise it will mean that you are asking the person to vomit. Be careful with this!

If you need to write down something during a conversation:

Just a minute. I'll make a note of that(Wait a minute. I'll write it down)

If someone rings the doorbell and you need to stop, you ask:

Just a minute. I'll be right back(just a moment please, I'll be right back)
You are back and want to continue the conversation:
Sorry to keep you waiting(sorry for the wait)

Suddenly, you stopped hearing the caller:

Sorry, we were cut off!(sorry we got separated)

Line problems:

You're breaking up I'll call you back(You are gone, I'll call you back)
Can you call me back?(can you call back?)

Business telephone conversation in English

Use phrases from the table, they will help you make a good impression on the interlocutor during the call. There is a download link below the table.

Hello?
Hello?

Thank you for calling the Smiths Auto Shop. Mary speaking. How can I help you?
Thank you for calling Smith's auto shop. Mary listens. How can I help you?

Doctor's office.
Doctor's office.

How to introduce yourself on the phone

Hey Michael. It's Lisa calling. ( conversational form.)
Hi Michael. This is Liza.

Hello, this is Jane Peters calling.
Hello, this is Jane Peters.

Hi, it's George from the dentist's office here.
Hello, this is George from dentistry.

How to ask to call someone to the phone

Is Fred in? ( conversational form.)
Is Fred there?

Is Jackson there, please? ( conversational form.)
May I speak to Jackson?

Can I talk to your sister? ( conversational form.)
Can you call your sister?

May I speak with Mr. Green, please?
May I please speak to Mr Green?

How to ask the caller to wait and call the right person

Just a sec. I "ll get him. ( conversational form.)
One second. I will call him.

Hang on one second. ( conversational form.)
Wait a second.

Please hold and I'll put you through to his office.
Please wait while I connect you to his office.

One moment please.
One minute please.

All of our operators are busy at this time. Please hold for the next available person.
All our operators are busy at the moment. Please wait until someone is free.

How to ask someone for something on the phone

Could you please repeat that?
Could you repeat that?

Would you mind spelling that for me?
Please spell it out.

Could you speak up a little please?
Could you speak louder please?

Can you speak a little slower please? My English isn't very strong.
Please speak more slowly. I don't speak English very well.

Can you call me back? I think we have a bad connection.
Can you call back? I think we're having communication problems.

Can you please hold for a minute? I have another call.
Can you wait a minute? I have another call.

How to receive a message from someone

Johnny's not in. Who's this? ( conversational form.)
Johnny is gone now. Who is it?

I "m sorry, Lisa" s not in at the moment. Can I ask who's calling?
Sorry, but Lisa is not here right now. May I know who is calling?

I "m afraid he" s stepped out. Would you like to leave a message?
Unfortunately, he got out. Should I give him something?

He "s on lunch right now. Who"s calling please?
He's at lunch now. Tell me, please, who is this calling?

He's busy right now. Can you call again later?
He is busy at the moment. Can you call back later?

I "ll let him know you called.
I'll let him know you called.

I'll make sure she gets the message.
I will definitely pass on the message to her.

How to leave a message for someone

Yes, can you tell him his wife called, please?
Yes, can you please tell him that his wife called?

No, that's okay. I'll call back later.
No, everything is okay. I'll call back later.

thanks; could you ask him to call James when he gets in?
Thanks, can you ask him to call James when he comes?

Do you have a pen handy? I don't think he has my number.
Do you have a pen handy? I don't think he knows my number.

thanks. My number is 555-6789, extension 14.
Thank you. My number is 555-6789, extension 14.

How to confirm or ask again something

Okay, I've got it all down.
Okay, I wrote everything down.

Let me repeat that just to make sure.
Let me repeat everything to check if everything is correct.

Did you say 123 Charles St.?
Did you say 123 Charles Street?

You said your name was Ted, right?
You said your name is Ted, right?

I'll make sure he gets the message.
I will definitely pass on what you said to him.

Examples of autoresponder entries

Hello. You"ve reached 222-6789. Please leave a detailed message after the beep. Thank you.
Hello. You called 222-6789. Please leave a detailed message after the beep. Thank you.

Hey, this is Elizabeth. I "m sorry I"m not available to take your call at this time. Leave me a message and I "ll get back to you as soon as I can.
Hello, this is Elizabeth. I'm sorry, but I can't take your call right now. Leave your message and I will contact you as soon as I can.

Examples of messages left on the answering machine

Hey Andrew. It's Paul. Call me! ( conversational form.)
Hello Andrew. This is Paul. Call me!

Hello, this is Richard calling for Stephen. Could you please return my call as soon as possible? My number is 123-4567. thank you.
Hello, this is Richard. I need to talk to Stephen. Can you call back as soon as possible? My number is 123-4567. Thank you.

How to end a phone conversation

Well, I guess I better get going. Talk to you soon. ( conversational form.)
Well, I guess I'll go. See you later.

Thanks for calling. Bye for now.
Thank you for calling. Goodbye.

I have to let you go now.
I have to go.

I'm afraid that's my other line.
Unfortunately, they call me on the other line.

I "ll talk to you again soon. Bye.
We'll talk more soon. Till.

A beginner in learning English is not always able to understand the speech of a foreigner in live communication. What awaits him in a telephone conversation? After all, most native English speakers speak fluently and are not always legible. And if a newly-made foreign friend, at your request, slows down the pace of speech, such a trick will not work with business partners. ". But don't get upset ahead of time! We have prepared for you a selection of the most useful rules and phrases that will help you become more confident in communicating with foreign clients and partners.

Why follow the generally accepted rules in a business telephone conversation?

International telephone etiquette provides several rules that should be followed when answering incoming calls or making calls on behalf of the company. The most progressive companies follow these norms, taking care of their image. If you want to be a professional in the eyes of your partners and clients, it is simply necessary to follow the rules listed below.

Rule number 1. Follow intonation.

In live communication, we share information with each other using three channels: intonation, words and gestures. And if in a video conversation it makes sense to control all three channels, then in normal telephone mode - only two: intonation and words. intonation has b about greater influence on the interlocutor than words. It is she who creates the mood of your interlocutor and builds the first or next impression of you.

What is worth doing?

Smile while talking, show energy and enthusiasm in your voice. Intonation always gives out: it is very easy to understand how you are set up - positively or negatively. Your smile will help the interlocutor to verify the first.

What should not be done?

It is better to refuse from falling apart on a chair, states of "reclining", "half-sitting". In such positions of the body, the diaphragm changes its angle, and this, in turn, is reflected in the timbre of the voice. The interlocutor will be able to understand that you are lying and take it for disrespect, disinterest, and even complete indifference.

Rule number 2. Greet the caller and identify yourself

When you pick up the phone, be sure to say hello. The greeting may vary depending on the time of day. (good morning, goof afternoon, good evening) and can be multifunctional (hello). After that, you should introduce yourself, stating your name and the organization in which you work. Your appeal will sound something like this:

• Hello, my name is Ann Popova from KYZ Corporation. May I please speak with Ms. Jane Smith?

Rule number 3. Pick up the handset after the second ring (beep)

What any operator, secretary, administrator, etc. should strive for. Why after the second one? By picking up the phone in the first second, you can take the caller by surprise. In addition, you yourself need a couple of seconds to get distracted from the business that you were absorbed in before the call.

Pick up the phone from the second, maximum from the third call. After waiting 4-5 or more rings, the caller may not have the most favorable opinion about your company or simply lose patience. As a result, he will not believe in the belief that you are able to satisfy all his needs or solve problems.

Rule number 4. Clarify the possibility of a conversation (if you are calling)

When you call, ask if the partner or client can communicate with you right now. After all, everyone has plans, meetings, tasks, the time of which is calculated by the minute. Therefore, do not go straight to the point, but clarify the possibilities of the interlocutor or secretary about whether you can communicate with a certain person. You can do this with the following phrases:

• Could I speak to (name) please?
• May I speak to (name) please?
• Is John Bright available?

To which you might get a response like:

• Mr. John is not taking calls right now. Can I take a message?
• He is on the phone now. Can I have him call you back later?
• Please, hold, while I connect you to him.
• I am connecting you right now.

Rule number 5. Get to the point of the call as soon as possible

Avoid wasting time with meaningless lyrics or questions like "How's the weather?" or "Did you hear the latest news?" . Be concise and to the point.

But there is an exception to this rule. You can afford to ask a few questions to the interlocutor or chat on an interesting topic if warm friendly relations have developed between you for a long time.

• I "m phoning (calling, ringing) to find out if...
• I'm phoning (calling, ringing) to tell you that...

Rule number 6. Don't forget to say goodbye

Have you ever noticed how many people end a conversation by simply hanging up? Agree, it's annoying. When saying goodbye, check with the interlocutor if he has any other questions or requests. Got a "No" answer? Now you can thank for the call and say goodbye, wishing you a good day.

Thanks for calling, Mr. James. Is there anything else I can help you with?

Be sure to contact me if you have any more problems.

Have a nice day.

Don't hesitate to call again.

Thank you for calling. Have a great day.

3 mini-rules, following which you will improve the quality of communication with international partners and clients

1. Adapt to the speed of the interlocutor's speech. A person who speaks slowly will find it difficult to catch the flow of thoughts of someone who speaks quickly.
2. Don't use speakerphone (unless otherwise stated).
3. Treat secretaries with respect. They also have some power and can influence the decision of their leadership.

Let's look at a few more relevant situations in which you need to know what to say to the interlocutor.

You or the caller dialed the wrong number	Sorry, I've dialed the wrong number. Sorry, you've dialed the wrong number.
You need some time to clarify the information or switch the call to another line	Hold the line please. Could you hold on please? Just a moment please.
You have trouble hearing the other party due to communication problems or other reasons	The line is very bad ... Could you speak up please? Could you repeat that please? I "m afraid I can" t hear you. Sorry. I didn't catch that. Could you say it again please?
You need to communicate negative news to the interlocutor. For example, the fact that your boss is not in place right now.	I "m sorry. He" s out of the office today. He isn't in at the moment. I'm afraid we don't have a Mr./Mrs./Ms/Miss... here I "m afraid he"s in a meeting at the moment.

By memorizing the most common phrases needed for a telephone conversation, you can easily navigate what the interlocutor is saying to you and what you need to say to you. In order to improve your English listening comprehension, watch films, listen to music in English and, of course, chat with friends, teachers or just find an English-speaking interlocutor who loves long phone conversations.

We wish you success in learning English! ;)

How to introduce yourself

Table 2. How to introduce yourself on the phone in English

How to ask to speak to someone

Table 3 How to call to the phone in English

How to ask to wait

Table 4 How to ask to wait in English

How to ask for something on the phone

Table 5. How to ask by phone in English

How to ask to leave a message

Table 6 How to ask to leave a message in English

Sammy's not in. Who's this?	Sammy is not at home. And who is calling?
I'm sorry, Lisa's not here at the moment. Can I ask who's calling?	Sorry, Lisa isn't home right now. May I know who is calling?
I "m afraid he" s stepped out. Would you like to leave a message?	I'm afraid he's gone. Don't want to leave a message?
He "s on lunch right now. Who"s calling please?	He's at lunch now. And who asks him?
He's busy right now. Can you call again later?	He is busy now. Could you call back later?
I "ll let him know you called.	I'll let him know you called.
I'll make sure she gets the message.	Rest assured, I will pass on your message to him.

How to leave a message

Table 7 How to leave a message in English

Yes, can you tell him his wife called, please.	Could you tell him that his wife is calling.
No, that's okay, I'll call back later.	It's OK. I'll call back later.
Yes, it's James from ____ here. When do you expect her back in the office?	James is calling from _____. When will she return to work?
Thanks, could you ask him to call Brian when he gets in?	Thank you. Why don't you ask him to call Brian back when he gets back?
thanks. My number is 222-3456, extension 12.	Thank you. My number is 222-3456, extension 12.

How to confirm something

Table 8 How to confirm in English

How to listen to a message on the answering machine

Table 9 How to listen to a message in English

Hello. You"ve reached 222-6789. Please leave a detailed message after the beep. Thank you.	Hello, you have reached 222-6789. Please leave a detailed message after the beep. Thank you.
Hey, this is Elizabeth. I "m sorry I"m not available to take your call at this time. Leave me a message and I "ll get back to you as soon as I can.	Hi, this is Elizabeth. I'm sorry I can't take your call right now. Leave a message and I'll call you back as soon as I can.
Thank you for calling Mindin's office. Our hours are 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday. Please call back during these hours, or leave a message after the tone. If this is an emergency please call the hospital at 503-7896.	Thank you for calling Dr. Mindin's office. Our hours of operation are from 9 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday. Please call back at this time or leave a message after the beep. If you have an emergency, call the hospital at 503-7896.

How to leave a message on the answering machine

Table 10 How to leave a message on an answering machine in English

Hey Danny. It's Alice. Call me!	Hey Danny. This is Alice. Call me back!
Hello, this is Ricardo calling for Luke. Could you please return my call as soon as possible. My number is 504-5689. thank you.	Hello, this is Ricardo. I need Luke. Could you call back as soon as possible? My number is 504-5689.
Hello John. 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 give us a ring/buzz whenever it's convenient.	Hello John. Marina is calling you from the clinic. I wanted to let you know that you need to have a check-up this month. Please call back at your convenience.

How to end a conversation

Table 11 How to end a phone conversation in English

Glossary of terms for talking on the phone

Table 12. English vocabulary for talking on the phone

to answer		pick up the phone
answering machine	[ˈænsərɪŋ məˈʃiːn]	answering machine
	[ˈbɪzi ˈsɪgn(ə)l]	short beeps
to call back/phone back		call back
		phone screen
cellular phone/cell phone	[ˈseljulə "fəun sel ˈfəun]	mobile phone
		wireless phone
		dial
directory/phone book		phone book
		hang up
	["ɔp(ə)reɪtə]	operator
phone booth/pay phone	[ˈfəun buːð / pei ˈfəun]	phone booth
international dial code	[ˌɪntə"næʃ(ə)n(ə)l"daɪəl kəud]	international dialing code
		to pick up the phone
		handset
		phone call
		phonebook

And in Bulgarian "Telephone directory" - "telephone index", and in Ukrainian "telephone guide".

Hello! Let's keep talking!

Talking on the phone in English can be a lot of stress. We often have to solve various issues by phone, whether it's meeting a friend or booking a table in a restaurant. The following dialogue examples will help you prepare.

• You can learn from this dialogue receive a call in English.

– Hello! Can I speak to Sarah?	- Hello! May I speak to Sarah?
– Hello! Who's asking?	- Hello! And who asks?
– It's John, we work together.	- This is John, we work together.
- Wait a second, I'll call her.	Wait a second, I'll call her.

• In this telephone conversation, a young man asks his colleague for the phone common friend.

- Hey, John!	— Hello, John!
Hey, Sarah! How are you?	— Hello, Sarah! How are you?
– Fine, thanks. you?	- Well thank you. And you have?
– I'm fine too. Listen, I wanted to ask you if you know Lisa's phone number. I wanted to ask her on a date.	- I'm fine too. Look, I wanted to ask if you know Lisa's number. I want to ask her out on a date.
- Lisa's? Let me see. Yes, I think I have it.	- Lisa? Let me think. Yes, I think there is.
– Could you give it to me, please?	“Could you give it to me, please?”
- All right, I hope she won't mind. +44 5674889903.	Okay, I hope she doesn't mind. +44 5674889903.
Thank you so much, Sarah! See you tomorrow at work.	Thanks a lot, Sarah! See you tomorrow at work!
– See you! good luck!	- See you! Good luck!

• This dialog gives an example of a more formal phone call. conversation between secretary and visitor.

• Dialog between two friends.

– Hello! Ann, is that you?	— Hello! Ann, is that you?
– Mary! What's up?	- Mary! What's new?
– I want to go to the cinema tomorrow evening, wanna join?	I want to go to the cinema tomorrow night, do you want to join?
– Sure! What do you want to watch?	- Certainly! What do you want to see?
– There is a new romantic comedy with Taylor Lautner…	A new romantic comedy with Taylor Lautner is out...
– Oh I love this actor! And at what time do you want to go?	I love this actor! And what time do you want to go?
– It starts at 7 pm. What do you think?	— Beginning at 7. What do you think?
– I'd love to go! Should we invite someone else?	- I would love to go! Shall we invite someone else?
– Maybe Kate wants to come, she likes Lautner too.	“Maybe Kate wants to go, she likes Lautner too.
– Okay, I’ll call here now and ask.	Okay, I'll call her and ask.
– Great! See you tomorrow!	- Fine! See you tomorrow!
– See you.	- See you.

• This conversation takes place between two classmates.

– Hello! I'd like to speak to Adam Johnson.	- Hello! I'd like to speak to Adam Johnson.
– Hello! It's Cara Johnson, his sister. I'll call him now.	- Hello! This is Kara Johnson, his sister. I will call him now.
– Okay, thank you.	- Well thank you.
– Hey, this is Adam. Who's speaking?	Hi, this is Adam. Who is speaking?
– It's Jacob, we're in Biology class together.	— This is Jacob, we go to biology together.
– Sure I remember you, what’s up?	- Of course, I remember you. How are you?
– Ms.Golden asked me to call everyone and ask if they want to go to the National Museum next Tuesday.	— Mrs. Golden asked me to call everyone and ask if they want to go to the National Museum next Tuesday.
– Instead of the lesson?	— Instead of a lesson?
– Yes. Everybody present will be granted ten points.	- Yes. Everyone who comes will receive 10 points.
- Okay, I'm in!	- Great, I'm all for it!
– Great! If there are any more details, I'll let you know.	- Perfectly! If there are any new details, I'll let you know.
Thanks. see you.	- Thanks. See you.

• An example of how book a hotel room by phone.

– Hello! Is this the “Northern Hotel”?	— Hello! Is this the Northern Hotel?
Hello, sir. Yes, how can I help you?	- Hello, sir! Yes, how can I help you?
– I would like to book a room in your hotel. Is it possible?	— I would like to reserve a room in your hotel. Is it possible?
– Of course. What date? How long are you going to stay?	- Certainly. On what date? How long are you going to stay here?
– From 8th to 14th of April.	— From 8 to 14 April.
– Perfect. Would you like a single or a double room?	- Fine. Would you like a room for one person or two?
– A double room, please. I am traveling with my wife.	- Two, please. I am traveling with my wife.
– With a view on the mountains or on the sea?	— With a view of the mountains or the sea?
– On the mountains, please.	To the mountains, please.
– All right. We happen to have a couple of available rooms with the view on the mountains. Could you please tell me your name and your phone number?	- Good. We just have a few free rooms with mountain views. Could you tell me your name and phone number?
— Jason Lee. And my number is +56 7899002319.	— Jason Lee. And my phone number is +56 7899002319.
– Ok, thank you. Wait a second… Your booking number is 432568.	- OK thanks. Wait a second... Your reservation number is 432568.
Should I pay in advance?	- Do I need to pay in advance?
– No, you can pay after you arrive at the hotel. Also, in case you have to cancel, it is free as well.	— No, you can pay after you arrive at the hotel. Also, if necessary, cancellation of the reservation is free.
- That's great, thank you! Goodbye!	- Great, thanks. Goodbye!
– Good bye.	- Goodbye.

• So it is possible book a table in a restaurant in English.

– Hello! This is "Red Dragon". How can I help you?	— Hello! This is the Red Dragon. How can I help you?
– Hello! I would like to reserve a table for today at 8 pm.	- Hello! I'd like to reserve a table for 8 pm tonight.
– I am terribly sorry, madam, but for today it is all full.	— I'm sorry, but there are no places for today.
– What about tomorrow?	— And for tomorrow?
– Yes, it is possible. Tomorrow at 8pm?	- Yes it is possible. Tomorrow at 8 o'clock?
- That's right.	- Right.
– Very well. Could you please tell me your full name?	- Fine. Could you tell me your full name?
– Karen Bennett.	— Karen Bennett.
– And for how many people?	- For how many people?
– For ten people.	- On 10.
Will you need a birthday cake?	Would you like a birthday cake?
– No, thank you, it's just a business meeting.	No thanks, this is a business meeting.
– No problem. All right, tomorrow, 10th of August a reservation at 8 pm for ten people. Please do not be late.	- No problems. Okay, tomorrow August 10th reservation for 8pm for 10 people. Please don't be late.
– Thank you very much. good bye.	- Thanks a lot. Goodbye.
– Good bye.	- Goodbye.

After studying the examples of these dialogues, you will be able to explain yourself by phone in English, both in business and informal communication.