Learn English 28 - Office Phone

Summary

In this English lesson, learners focus on essential telephone phrases. The script covers how to answer calls, make requests (e.g., 'Could I speak to John Baker?'), and politely take messages. Key phrases include 'Can I help you?' and 'Can I take a message?' The lesson also explores phone etiquette, such as informing someone about not being available ('I'm afraid I can't make it') and offering alternatives. A quiz reinforces these useful phrases, ensuring learners feel more confident handling telephone conversations in English.

Takeaways

• 😀 Learn useful phrases for answering the phone, such as 'Good morning, can I help you?'
• 😀 Use 'Could I speak to [Name], please?' to politely ask for someone on the phone.
• 😀 If the person you're calling is unavailable, say 'I'm sorry, but [Name] isn't in his office at the moment.'
• 😀 Always offer to take a message when the person is unavailable: 'Can I take a message?'
• 😀 When you need to cancel an appointment, say 'I'm afraid I can't make it.'
• 😀 It's more formal to say 'Could' instead of 'Can' when making requests on the phone.
• 😀 Learn to offer alternative times when canceling plans, such as 'How about later today, say 5:00?'
• 😀 When leaving a message, you can ask if the caller would like a mobile number, like 'Would you like his mobile number?'
• 😀 Understand the meaning of 'I'm afraid' to politely convey that you cannot attend an event or meeting.
• 😀 Practice phrases like 'Can I help you?' when you answer the phone to offer assistance.
• 😀 In the quiz, you will be tested on phrases such as 'Can I take a message?' and 'I'm afraid I can't make it to the meeting.'

Q & A

What is the main purpose of this lesson?

The main purpose of this lesson is to teach useful phrases for handling telephone calls in English, such as answering the phone, asking to speak to someone, and taking messages.

Why is it important to use 'could' instead of 'can' when speaking on the phone?

Using 'could' is more formal than 'can,' and it is considered polite, especially when speaking to someone you don’t know well on the phone.

What should you say if the person you are calling is not available?

You can say, 'I’m sorry, but [name] isn’t in the office at the moment. Can I take a message?'

How does Carl try to reach Marty?

Carl initially calls Marty’s office, but when he is unavailable, Carl then calls Marty on his cell phone.

What does Carl say when he can't make it to lunch?

Carl says, 'I’m afraid I can’t make it to lunch today,' which is a polite way of saying he cannot attend.

What alternative is offered when Marty is unavailable?

Marty’s secretary offers to take a message and asks if Carl would like to leave one.

What is the meaning of 'I’m afraid' in the context of this conversation?

'I’m afraid' is a polite way to say 'I’m sorry,' especially when delivering disappointing news, such as not being able to make an appointment.

What does Carl do when he cannot reach Marty for lunch?

Carl suggests meeting later that day, but when that also seems impossible, he agrees to meet Marty the following week.

When answering the phone, how can you politely ask to speak with someone?

You can say, 'Hello, could I speak with [name], please?' This is a polite and formal way to ask to speak to someone on the phone.

What does the secretary offer when Carl calls to speak with Marty?

The secretary offers to take a message or provide Marty’s mobile number if Carl prefers to reach him directly.