English Training Material - 05
Could I leave a message?
Language Checklist
Telephoning (1)
Introducing yourself
Good morning, Aristo.
Hello, this is … from … .
Hello, my name's … calling from … .
Saying who you want
I'd like to speak to …, please.
Could I have the … Department, please?
Is … there, please?
Saying someone is not available
I'm sorry he/she's not available … .
Sorry, he/she's away/not in/in a meeting/in Milan.
Leaving and taking messages
Could you give him/her a message?
Can I leave him/her a message?
Please tell him/her …
Please ask him/her to ring me on …
Can I take a message?
Would you like to leave a message?
If you give me your number I'll ask him/her to call you later.
Offering to help in other ways
Can anyone else help you?
Can I help you perhaps?
Would you like to speak to his assistant?
Shall I ask him to call you back?
Asking for repetition
Sorry, I didn't catch (your name/your number/your company name/etc.).
Sorry, could you repeat your (name, number, etc.).
Sorry, I didn't hear that.
Sorry, I didn't understand that.
Could you spell (that/your name), please.
Acknowledging repetition
Okay, I've got that now.
(Mr Kyoto.) I understand.
I see, thank you.
Skills Checklist
Telephoning: Preparation for a call
Reading – background information
Desk Preparation
Have the following available:
- relevant documentation/notes
- correspondence received
- pen and paper
- diary
Check time available:
How much time do you need?
How much time do you have?
Objectives
Who do you want to speak to?
In case of non-availability, have an alternative strategy:
- call back/be called back – when?
- leave a message
- speak to someone else
- write or fax information
Do you want to:
- find out information?
-
give information?
Introduction
Do you need to refer to:
- a previous call?
- a letter, order, invoice of fax?
- someone else (who?)
-
an event (what? when?)
Prediction
What do you expect the other person to say/ask you? How will you respond?
Language
Key phrases (see Language Checkist)
Pronunciation
Spelling