Talking on the Phone in English - English Phone Vocabulary Lesson

Summary

This video teaches English phone etiquette for both informal and formal conversations. It covers greetings, introducing oneself, and common phrases for different contexts. Informal calls with friends or colleagues use casual language and short sentences, while formal calls involve polite, structured language, longer sentences, and specific phrasing. The video also addresses common phone problems, like poor sound quality and low signal, providing useful phrases for troubleshooting. Lastly, it explains how to leave a message politely and emphasize its urgency when needed. This guide is perfect for learning to navigate phone calls in English with confidence.

Takeaways

• 😀 Informal phone calls are often brief, with simple greetings like 'Hello?' and 'It’s [Your Name].'
• 😀 In informal calls, phrases like 'Cheers,' 'Yeah, sure,' and 'See you then' are commonly used.
• 😀 Formal phone calls require polite greetings such as 'Good afternoon, [Company Name], how can I help?' and 'My name is [Your Name].'
• 😀 When making a formal phone call, be sure to introduce yourself clearly, and explain the purpose of the call in full sentences.
• 😀 In informal calls, asking 'What was that?' or 'Can you speak up a bit?' are common ways to address hearing issues.
• 😀 Formal conversations require more polite, indirect language, such as 'I’m sorry, could you repeat that?' or 'Would you mind speaking a little more loudly?'
• 😀 If the person you’re calling is unavailable, offer to take a message using phrases like 'Would you like to leave a message?' or 'Can I leave him a message?'
• 😀 To leave a message formally, state the action clearly: 'Could you tell him to [action]?' or 'Please make sure he gets it as soon as possible.'
• 😀 Informal phone calls tend to skip pleasantries like asking 'How are you?' if you know the person well.
• 😀 Ending formal calls involves more detailed phrases like 'Thanks for your help' or 'Have a nice day!' while informal calls often end with 'Bye!' or 'See you!'

Q & A

What is the main difference between informal and formal phone calls in English?

The main difference is the language used. Informal calls use short phrases and casual vocabulary, while formal calls involve longer, more polite phrases and professional vocabulary. The structure of the conversation is also different, with formal calls being more detailed and courteous.

In an informal phone call, how would you introduce yourself?

In informal calls, you would typically say 'It’s [Your Name]' rather than 'I’m [Your Name].' This is a more casual way of introducing yourself.

What are some common phrases used when you cannot hear someone clearly on the phone?

Common informal phrases to ask someone to repeat themselves include 'Sorry, say that again?' or 'What was that?' In more formal situations, you might say 'I’m sorry, could you repeat that?' or 'Could you say that again, please?'

How do you politely ask someone to speak louder on the phone in a formal setting?

In a formal setting, you might say 'The sound is low. Would you mind speaking a little more loudly?' or 'Could you speak up a bit, please?'

What would you say in a formal call if the person you are calling is unavailable?

In a formal call, you might say, 'I’m afraid he’s not available right now. Would it be alright for him to call you back in about 30 minutes?'

What is the difference in the way phone calls end in informal and formal conversations?

Informal phone calls typically end with simple phrases like 'See you' or 'Bye.' In formal conversations, the ending is more elaborate, often including phrases like 'Thank you for your help,' 'Have a nice day,' or 'Goodbye.'

How do you handle leaving a message for someone when they are not available?

If you need to leave a message, you can say, 'Can I leave him a message?' or 'Could you pass on a message for me?' Then, provide the message, such as 'Could you ask him to double-check the hotel reservations?'

What should you say if you need to request something urgent during a phone conversation?

If your request is urgent, you might say, 'Please make sure he gets it as soon as possible; it’s really important,' or 'It’s urgent, so please tell her as soon as you can.'

What are some informal phrases used to end a phone call with a friend?

Informal phone call endings often include phrases like 'See you,' 'Cheers,' or 'Bye!' These are short and friendly ways to end a casual conversation.

When speaking formally, how do you typically explain why you are calling?

In a formal setting, you might say 'I’m calling concerning [topic],' 'I would like to ask about [topic],' or 'I wanted to discuss [subject] with you.' These phrases are polite and professional ways to explain your purpose.