Subject: English Conversation

Expression speaking on the telephone at work

(Managament 23)

Dosen Pengampu:

Andi Ratu Nurhazana, S.Pd., M.Pd

 Common expressions

Type Formal Informal

1. Answering the phone  Hello. This is Alung  Hello.
 Hello, thank you for calling (Name of  Alung speaking
company). This is Alung, how can I help
you?
 Good morning (good afternoon), this is
Alung. How can I help you?

2. Greeting and introducing  This is alung. I am calling about .. (your  Hi, it’s me (use this when the other
yourself advertisement, information about your person will recognize your voice. For
services, to make a reservation, etc) example, your mother, your best friend
or your brother)

3. Asking to speak to someone  May I speak to …...? (example: May I speak  Can I talk to …….?
to the doctor?) (example: Can I talk to mom?)
 I’d like to talk with …...
(example: I’d like to talk with Mr.
Vernitto)
 Common expressions

Type Formal Informal

4. Putting someone on  Can I put you on hold for a moment, please?  Just a sec.
hold  Would you mind holding for just a moment?  Just a moment.
 If it is ok with you, I am going to put you on hold for a moment. I  Hold on a moment.
will see if he/she is available
Note: These expressions can also be used when you are not ready to
speak in English on the phone. You can use this moment to calm
yourself and prepare yourself to speak English.

5. Clarifying and asking  I’m sorry – I didn’t catch that. Could you please repeat?  I’m sorry. Could you
for repetition  I’m sorry – do you mean to say [identify what you don’t repeat that?
understand]?  Can you spell that?
 Would you mind spelling that for me?
 Would you mind speaking a little more slowly?
 Common expressions

Type Formal Informal

6. Taking a message for  I’m sorry. She isn’t available at the moment. Can I  I’ll let him/her know that
someone take a message for her? you called.
 If you leave a message, I will be sure to get it to him  Who’s calling, please?
as soon as he is available.
 She is away at the moment. May I ask who is
calling?
 Would you like me to connect you to his voicemail?

7. Leaving a message for  Yes. Thank you. Please tell her Salma called. Ask her  No thanks. I’ll call back
someone to call me back at 430.444.4444. later.
 Could you have her return my call tomorrow?  Yeah, tell him Salma
 Please tell him I’ll be available on called.
Thursday at 9:00.
 Yes, please put me through to her voice mails.
Thank you
 Type Formal Informal

8. Ending your call  Thank you for calling. I will make  I need to let you go.
sure to give him the message.  I have a meeting soon so
 Thanks for calling – I have I have to run. (Americans
another phone call so I will would also say: “I have a
need meeting soon so I gotta
to let you go. run. “Gotta” is short for
 Thanks for calling and have a “Got to” or “have to “)
great day  It was great to chat. I’ll
talk to you again soon
Watch two phone conversations to learn how to use both formal and informal English on the phone. Here are the scripts
with some explanations:
Informal Call Vernitto : Nothing. Just chilling ‘(relaxing) at home. How
about you?
Alung : Hello.
Claudia : Just hanging out.
Vernitto : Hey is claudia there?
Vernitto : You want to grab a bite (go out for food)?
Alung : Uh, yeah. Who’s this?
Claudia : Sure, what were you thinking?
Vernitto : It’s Vernitto.
Vernitto : Let’s just go out and find something. I’m down for
Alung : Hang on just a second
whatever (I’ll eat anything).
Claudia, this for you.
Claudia : Sounds good… I’m starving (really hungry).
Claudia : Who is it?
Vernitto : Meet ya down there in ten (minutes)?
Alung : It’s Vernitto.
Claudia : Cool see ya then.
Claudia : Hey, what’s up
Vernitto : See ya later
(slang way to say “What are you doing?”)
 Formal Call

Kia : Good afternoon, this is Kia. May I help you?

Zayn : Hello. Is Mr. Nirwan available?
Kia : May I ask who’s calling?
Zayn : My name is Zayn. I’m calling in regards to our meeting this week.
Kia : Would you mind holding for a minute, Mr. Zayn?
Zayn : Not at all.
Kia : Thanks so much.
After a few minutes …..
 Formal Call

Nirwan: Hello!
Kia : Mr. Nirwan, you have a phone call from a Mr. Zayn about a
meeting this week.
Nirwan : Great. Put him through (transfer the call to me). Hello, Mr.
Zayn. What can I do for you?
Zayn : Hi, Mr. Nirwan. I was just calling to confirm the details of our
meeting. What’s a good time for you?
Nirwan : Well I’m pretty very busy tomorrow. How about 10 o’clock
on Friday?
Zayn : I may not be able to make it at ten. Would 10:30 be, OK?
Nirwan : Sure that works for me. I’ll put you on my schedule for 10:30
on Friday.
Zayn : Great. I’m looking forward to it. See you soon.
Nirwan : Sure… thanks for calling. Take care (have a nice day)
THANK
YOU