Business Phone Calls in English

How to lead a phone call in English and what phrases to use? Lets sort them according to the situation they relate to.

ANSWERING THE PHONE

Introducing yourself

• Jim Pearson

• Lucy speaking.

• This is Michael.

• Hello, Finance Department, Eva speaking.

• Good morning. National Theatre. Ali speaking.

Getting info about the caller

• Who’s calling?

Getting the reason for the call

• How can I help you?

Connecting people

• I’ll put you through.

• Can you hold on a moment?

• Just a moment.

• The line is engaged.

• I had best directly connect you with…

Person not available

• I am afraid his line is engaged.

• I’m afraid he is not available at the moment.

• Mrs Roberts is not in at the moment.

Taking the message

• Can I take a message?

Ending a conversation

• Is there anything else I can help you with today?

• Thank you for calling.

MAKING A PHONE CALL

Introduce yourself

• It’s Mrs Scheider.

Wrong number

• Hello is that Sarah Greenwood?

Ask to speak to someone

• Could I speak to Mr Turner, please?

• May I speak to Mr Turner, please?

• Can I speak with Mr Turner, please?

• May I help you?

Say the reason for the call

• Mr Johnson rang me this morning, and I was asked to call him back.

• I’m phoning to…

Leaving a message

• Can I leave a message?

• Could you ask him to call me?

Thanks and farewells

• Thank you ever so much.

• It’s been most kind of you to help me.

PROBLEMS WITH PHONE CALLS

We don’t understand or hear the other person

• Could you speak a little slower, please?

• Would you mind saying it again?

• I am sorry I can’t hear you.