Make An Appointment: Practise Speaking on the Phone!

Summary

In this lesson, Emma from mmmEnglish guides learners through the process of making and rescheduling a doctor's appointment over the phone in English. Through a role-playing scenario with both a receptionist and a patient, viewers practice using key phrases and vocabulary related to appointments. The video emphasizes the importance of phone call conversations in professional and everyday contexts, providing a valuable opportunity for English learners to improve their speaking and listening skills. Additional resources, including a free trial of the *Hey Lady!* community, are also introduced for continued practice.

Takeaways

• 😀 Making phone calls in a second language can be intimidating, especially when rescheduling appointments.
• 😀 This lesson focuses on practicing phone conversations for rescheduling doctor's appointments in English.
• 😀 Common phone call phrases like 'I'm calling to reschedule your appointment' and 'No problem, let me see who's available' are essential for effective communication.
• 😀 If making phone calls in English is part of your job, this lesson will be highly beneficial in building confidence.
• 😀 In addition to job-related scenarios, this lesson is useful for anyone living or traveling in an English-speaking country.
• 😀 Practicing both roles (receptionist and patient) in a phone conversation is an effective way to master the dialogue.
• 😀 The conversation flow includes polite expressions like 'I'm afraid Dr. Williams is sick today' and 'Would it be possible to book an appointment with a different doctor?'
• 😀 For learners, the key to success in phone conversations is mastering phrases that convey politeness, urgency, and clarity.
• 😀 The lesson offers a safe, supportive community for women to practice speaking English in real conversations with others.
• 😀 The video encourages continued practice with additional lessons and provides links for further exploration of key phrases and vocabulary.

Q & A

Why can making phone calls in a second language feel intimidating?

Making phone calls in a second language can be intimidating because you can't prepare as easily as you can with written communication. The unexpected nature of a phone call and the lack of visual cues can make it feel more challenging.

What is the main focus of this lesson?

The main focus of the lesson is to practice making and rescheduling appointments over the phone, specifically in a medical setting, using common English phrases and expressions.

How does the lesson aim to help learners with phone conversations?

The lesson helps learners by providing real-life dialogue examples, teaching useful phrases, and offering opportunities to practice switching roles in a simulated phone conversation.

What is the purpose of practicing phone calls in English according to Emma?

Emma explains that practicing phone calls in English is essential for situations like professional communication, living or traveling in English-speaking countries, or needing to make appointments over the phone.

What specific skill does the lesson help to improve?

The lesson aims to improve the skill of making and rescheduling appointments over the phone, focusing on both clarity and confidence in communication.

What role does the Hey Lady! community play in this lesson?

Hey Lady! is introduced as a supportive online community for women to practice speaking English with real partners, providing a safe space for learners to improve their conversation skills.

What is the significance of the phrase 'Just to confirm, your appointment is today at 3:45 pm with Dr. Jones'?

This phrase is an important way to confirm the details of an appointment, ensuring both parties are clear on the schedule and avoiding any misunderstandings.

How does the role-play element enhance learning in this lesson?

The role-play allows learners to practice both sides of the conversation, which helps them build confidence in responding naturally to phone calls and reinforces language comprehension.

Why does Emma encourage learners to listen to the full conversation?

Emma encourages learners to listen to the full conversation to understand the flow of the dialogue, helping them see how the phrases and expressions are used in context and reinforcing the learning process.

What is the benefit of the 10-day free trial offered by Hey Lady!?

The 10-day free trial allows learners to explore the Hey Lady! community and experience practicing English conversation in a relaxed and supportive environment, helping them improve their speaking skills.