How to have Phone Conversations in English

Summary

In this lesson, Vanessa teaches how to navigate both informal and formal phone conversations in English. Informal conversations, typically with friends or family, are casual and straightforward. In contrast, formal conversations, often in professional settings, require polite phrases like 'May I...' and 'Would you...'. Vanessa provides practical examples, such as calling a colleague or leaving a message with a secretary. She emphasizes the importance of politeness and clarity in business calls and encourages viewers to use the expressions learned. The video also invites users to share their own experiences with English phone conversations and offers a free e-book to build confidence in speaking English.

Takeaways

• 😀 Informal phone conversations in English are typically between friends or family members and involve casual topics like making plans or catching up.
• 😀 It's becoming less common to make informal phone calls, as people often prefer texting or using cell phones rather than landlines.
• 😀 A simple informal phone conversation example includes basic greetings and clarifying if the right person is on the line, such as, 'Hi, is this Daniel?'
• 😀 Formal phone conversations are more serious and polite, often involving professional interactions, like calling a department or speaking with customers.
• 😀 A formal phone conversation example includes phrases like 'May I please speak with [Name]?' to show respect and politeness.
• 😀 Using polite language like 'May I...', 'Would you...', or 'Would you mind...' elevates the level of formality in phone conversations.
• 😀 In formal situations, if you're calling a department, you may have to answer filter questions or leave a message, as the person you need to speak with might not be available.
• 😀 It's important to ask for a call back or leave a message if the person you're trying to reach is unavailable, ensuring clear communication.
• 😀 If you return a call, introducing yourself with your name and the purpose of the call, such as 'Hi, this is [Name] from [Department], returning your call,' is a professional approach.
• 😀 The use of 'Thanks for calling me back' or similar expressions helps maintain professionalism and shows appreciation for the person's time.
• 😀 To become confident in English phone conversations, one can practice using these phrases and download resources like Vanessa's free e-book for further learning.

Q & A

What are the main differences between informal and formal phone conversations in English?

Informal phone conversations are typically casual and relaxed, often between friends or family, and focus on simple exchanges. In contrast, formal phone conversations are more structured, polite, and professional, typically used in work settings or when dealing with customers.

Why are informal phone conversations less common nowadays?

Informal phone conversations have become less common due to the rise of text messaging, cell phone communication, and the decreasing use of landlines. People often prefer texting over calling for casual conversations.

How do you introduce yourself in a formal phone conversation?

In a formal conversation, you might say something like 'Hi, this is [Your Name] from [Company Name].' This introduction helps establish context and professionalism.

What key phrases should you use to sound more polite in a formal phone conversation?

To sound more polite, use phrases like 'May I...', 'Would you...', and 'Would you mind...'. These expressions elevate the level of politeness in formal phone conversations.

What is an example of an informal phone conversation scenario?

An informal phone conversation might involve someone calling a wrong number, as shown in the example where a person mistakenly calls someone named Daniel but reaches someone else. The conversation is brief and simple, with no formalities.

What should you do if the person you need to talk to is unavailable in a formal conversation?

If the person you need to speak with is unavailable, you can either leave a message or arrange a time to call back, as demonstrated in the script when the marketing department manager is in a meeting.

How do you politely leave a message in a formal conversation?

When leaving a message, you can introduce yourself and state the purpose of your call. For example, 'Hi, this is [Your Name] from the marketing department at [Company Name], I'm returning your call from earlier today.'

What is a key aspect of formal phone conversations that was emphasized in the video?

A key aspect emphasized in the video is the importance of using polite language and structured communication in formal conversations, particularly in professional settings where clarity and respect are vital.

Why is it important to ask polite questions like 'May I...' or 'Would you mind...' in formal phone conversations?

Using polite questions such as 'May I...' or 'Would you mind...' helps ensure that the conversation is respectful and courteous, which is crucial in professional settings to maintain a positive impression and avoid sounding rude.

How can the examples provided in the video help improve one's phone conversation skills in English?

The examples show how to navigate different scenarios in both informal and formal phone conversations, offering practical language structures and polite expressions that can be applied in real-life situations, whether personal or professional.