I. Making a call

A few common expressions are enough for most telephone conversations. Practise these telephone expressions by completing the following dialogue using the words listed below.

Switchboard: Continental Equipment. Can I help you?

You: Could I_________ __________ Mr. Wilson, please?

Switchboard: Putting you __________

Secretary: Hello, Mr. Wilson’s secretary. __________ I help you?

You: __________, can you hear me? It’s a __________ line. Could you __________ up, please?

Secretary: IS THAT BETTER? Who’s __________, please?

You: (your name) from (your company)

Secretary: Oh, hello. How nice to hear from you again. We haven’t seen you for ages. How are you?

You: Fine, thanks. Could you__________ me___________ to Mr. Wilson, please?

Secretary: __________the line a moment. I’ll see if he’s in. I’m so sorry, I’m afraid he isn’t in the__________ at the__________. Could you give me your __________, and I’ll ask him to__________you__________?

You: I’m__________ 495 3840. That’s London.

Secretary: Would you like to leave any__________ for him?

You: No, thanks. Just tell him I__________.

Secretary: Certainly. Nice to hear from you again.

You: I’ll expect him to__________me this afternoon, then. Thanks.

Secretary: You’re welcome. Goodbye. on number office rang speak to call back hello

speak hold message ring speaking moment

bad secretary can through put through through

Note: If you do not hear or understand the other person, say: I’m sorry? or I’m sorry, I don’t understand, could you repeat that, please? It is not polite to say: Please repeat?