Telephone English

[PROESL]

What can you say to someone if you've forgotten their name during your first phone call with them.?

direct: What was your name again?

less direct: I'm sorry, but what did you say your name was?

And your name again, please?

And you said your name was ______ ?

Could you, please, tell me your name again?

[PROESL]

Telephone English

Speaking on the phone at work - at the workplace


Post your questions about what to say on the telephone for business and work.



boston ma

[PROESL]

Telephone English

Post your announcement for voicemail in English. Someone will correct it and suggest improvements.

[PROESL]

Speaking on the phone in a language other your own can be challenging at first. This is something that any English for Professionals ESL course should include.

It's good to know some key functional phrases in order to sound more professional when speaking on the phone.

[PROESL]

Speaking on the telephone is an important part of being in business and doing business. It's part of business English.

[PROESL]

1. Do you know when he'll be back?
2. Can you tell me when he'll be in?
3. When will he be back in the office?

• Can you connect me to his voicemail, please?

Telephone English for Professionals - Pronunciation - Good pronunciation is important in ESL for Professionals.

[PROESL]

For the receptionist:

This is rather important.

receptionist or secretary:

• I'll tell him you called as soon as he walks through the door.
• I'll be sure he gets your message right away.
• I'll tell him that you would like him to call you immediately.
• Yes, I'll let him know it's important and that you want him to call you right away.
• I'll see to it that she gets your message right away.

Telphone English for the receptionist, secretary, or anyone who takes a message.

[PROESL]

Originally Posted by PROESL

What can you say to someone if you've forgotten their name during your first phone call with them.?

direct: What was your name again?

less direct: I'm sorry, but what did you say your name was?

And your name again, please?

And you said your name was ______ ?

Could you, please, tell me your name again?

It's probably not a good idea to say "What's your name? I forgot it". No, I don't think that sounds very professional or polite for a first business phone call. Register is important in business English, and "what's your name?" might not go over very well for professional purposes.

[PROESL]

Here are some important phrases to know. They're short.

Important phrases for telephone English at the workplace

Use them to practice pronunciation -intonation and linking.

Regular or formal:

Can you hold, please?
Can I put you on hold?
One moment, please.
How may I direct your call?

More casual:

Hang on for just a minute.
Okay, hang on. I'll be right with you.
Hang on.
Okay, who do you wanna speak to?

[poltilak]

Originally Posted by PROESL

1. Do you know when he'll be back?
2. Can you tell when he'll be in?
3. When will he be back in the office?

• Can you connect me to his voicemail, please?

Telephone English for Professionals - Pronunciation - Good pronunciation is important in ESL for Professionals.

Do you know when he'll be back? The adverb clause contains 'he'll' In English such clauses connot be built in the future form. You have to say:
Do you know when he comes back.