11. Messages 3

Read the instructions below quickly and think briefly about what you are going to say. When you are ready, take turns to practise leaving messages on an answering machine / voice mail.

When Student A gives you a cue like 'You've reached the voice mail of X. Please leave your message', give your message.

When A is giving a message, note down the important points. Check your notes and messages together when you have finished.

1

Invent a name or use your own. You have an interview with the company you have called, at 11.30 this morning, but unfortunately you are sick. Apologise and ask them to call you back. Leave your name and number.

2

Invent a name or use your own. Call your boss's PA and leave a message saying you need to see your boss this week if possible. Leave your name and extension number and say when she can call you back.

3

Invent a name, company and e-mail address, or use your own or one that you know. Leave your e-mail address and ask them to e-mail the information you wanted as soon as possible.

12. Messages 4

You are going to receive two calls from Student A and make two calls to Student A.

1

You are Hans. Respond to Alex's call.

2

You are Fiona. Respond to John's call.

3

You are Bill. Call Tamara and tell her you can talk about the project this afternoon. Fix a time and place.

4

You are Juan. Phone Michel and tell him you are currently expecting 257 delegates at the conference, but there may be more - you will keep him informed.

13. Consolidation

You are going to make one call to Student A and receive one call from Student A.

1

Invent a name or use your own. Phone Ms. Lo's PA. Try to make an appointment with Ms Lo. You can't manage any of the times offered. You get angry.

2

You are Mr. Prada's PA. Student A calls you. Offer A several appointment times. Remain calm and polite.

Role Playing Suggestions

Here are some role plays for you to use in practicing your telephone English.

1. Requesting Travel Information

Student A:

Choose a city in your country. You are going to travel to this city for a business meeting over the next weekend. Telephone a travel agency and reserve the following:

• Round-trip flight

• Hotel room for two nights

• Restaurant recommendation

• Prices and departure times

Student B:

You work in a travel agency. Listen to student A and offer him/her the following solutions:

• Round-trip flight: Air JW $450 Coach, $790 First Class

• Hotel room for two nights: Hotel City $120 a night in the downtown area, Hotel Relax $110 a night near the airport

• Restaurant Recommendation: Chez Marceau - downtown - average price $70 a person

2. Product Information

Student A:

You need to purchase six new computers for your office. Call JA's Computer World and ask for the following information:

• Current special offers on computers

• Computer configuration (RAM, Hard Drive, CPU)

• Guaranty

• Possibility of discount for an order of six computers

Student B:

You work in at JA's Computer World answer student A's questions using the following information:

• Two special offers: Multimedia Monster - with latest Pentium CPU, 256 RAM, 40 GB Hard Drive, Monitor included - $2,500 AND Office Taskmaster – cheaper CPU, 64 RAM, 10 GB Hard Drive, Monitor not included - $1,200

• 1 Year guaranty on all computers

• Discount of 5% for orders of more than five computers