Making phone calls in English can be intimidating. However, it is an essential skill to have, especially if you are living in an English-speaking country or working in an international setting.
In this article I will provide you with useful phrases for phone calls in English that will help you feel more confident and prepared.
Starting the Call
When starting a phone call, it is important to introduce yourself and ask to speak to the person you want to talk to. Here are some phrases you can use:
- “Hello, my name is [your name]. Can I speak to [person’s name], please?”
- “Hi, this is [your name]. May I please speak with [person’s name]?”
- “Good morning/afternoon/evening, this is [your name] calling. Is [person’s name] available?”
Identifying Yourself
Sometimes, the person you are calling may not know who you are. In this case, it is helpful to identify yourself and give some context for the call. Here are some phrases you can use:
- “Hi [person’s name], it’s [your name] from [company/school/etc.].”
- “Hello, my name is [your name]. I’m calling because [reason for the call].”
- “Good morning/afternoon/evening, this is [your name]. I’m calling in regards to [reason for the call].”
Asking for the Person You Want to Speak To
If the person you want to speak to is not available, you can ask when they will be back or if there is a better time to call back. Here are some phrases you can use:
- “Is [person’s name] available? If not, when will they be back?”
- “I’m sorry to hear that [person’s name] is not available. Could you please tell me when they will be back?”
- “If [person’s name] is not available, is there a better time for me to call back?”
Leaving a Message
If the person you want to speak to is not available, you can ask if you can leave a message for them. Here are some phrases you can use:
- “Could you please let [person’s name] know that I called? My name is [your name] and my phone number is [your phone number].”
- “May I leave a message for [person’s name]? My name is [your name] and I’m calling from [company/school/etc.].”
- “If [person’s name] is not available, could you please ask them to call me back? My name is [your name] and my phone number is [your phone number].”
Making Small Talk
Small talk is an important part of many phone conversations, especially in business settings. Here are some phrases you can use to initiate small talk:
- “How has your day been so far?”
- “Have you had a chance to enjoy the nice weather today?”
- “Did you have a good weekend?”
Asking for Clarification
If you don’t understand something that the other person has said, it’s important to ask for clarification. Here are some phrases you can use:
- “I’m sorry, I didn’t catch that. Could you repeat it, please?”
- “Could you please speak more slowly?”
- “I’m not sure I understood what you meant. Could you explain it again, please?”
Dealing with Difficult Situations
Sometimes, phone conversations can be difficult, especially if there is a problem that needs to be resolved. Here are some phrases you can use to navigate these situations:
- “I understand your frustration. Let’s see what we can do to fix this.”
- “I apologize for any inconvenience this has caused. Let me see what I can do to make it right.”
- “I appreciate your feedback. Let me investigate and get back to you with a solution.”
Making Arrangements
If you need to make arrangements with the person you are speaking with, such as setting up a meeting or scheduling a call, here are some phrases you can use:
- “Would it be possible to schedule a meeting for next week?”
- “Could we arrange a time for a follow-up call?”
- “Let’s coordinate a time that works for both of us.”
Ending the Call
When ending a phone call, it is polite to thank the person for their time and to say goodbye. Here are some phrases you can use:
- “Thank you for your time. Have a great day!”
- “Thanks for your help. Goodbye!”
- “It was nice talking to you. Take care!”
- “Thank you for your time today. It was great speaking with you.”
- “I appreciate your help. Have a good day.”
- “Thanks again for your assistance. Talk to you soon.”
Making phone calls in English may seem intimidating at first, but with practice and these useful phrases, you will become more comfortable and confident.
Remember to speak slowly and clearly, and don’t be afraid to ask the person you are speaking with to repeat themselves or to speak more slowly if you are having trouble understanding.
Good luck!
Teacher Julieta 