Part III. Topical telephone conversations Unit 1. Leaving a message

SITUATION

Mr Lee at Central Trading Company (CTC) in Hong Kong wants to speak to Lisa Bond at Sydney Fashions. She is not available when he calls, so he leaves a message for her to call him back.

Secretary

Lisa Bond's office.

Mr Lee

Lisa Bond, please.

Secretary

I'm sorry, Mrs Bond's in a meeting right now. May I take a message?

Mr Lee

Well, I do need to speak to her. Do you know when she'll be free?

Secretary

She should be free later this afternoon.

Mr Lee

I see. Well, this is Mr Lee of Central Trading Company in Hong Kong. I wonder if you could have her call me back?

Secretary

Certainly. What was your name again, please?

Mr Lee

My name is Mr Lee from Central Trading Company in Hong Kong.

Secretary

And what number are you on, Mr Lee?

Mr Lee

My number is 8872140. The code for Hong Kong is 852.

Secretary

Right. So that's Mr Lee of Central Trading Company in Hong Kong and Mrs Bond can reach you on (852) 8872140. Is that right?

Mr Lee

Yes, that's right. I'll be in all afternoon.

Secretary

Fine, I'll give her the message, Mr Lee.

TAKING THE CALL

MAKING THE CALL

Answering an extension

Asking for a return call

Lisa Bond's office.

Lisa Bond's secretary.

I wonder if you could have her call me back?

Lisa Bond's phone.

Could you ask her to call me as soon as possible?

Saying someone is not available

Giving your name

Mrs Bond isn't at her desk at the moment.

My name is Mr Lee from Central Trading Company in Hong Kong.

I'm sorry, Mrs Bond's in a meeting right now.

It's Mr Lee of CTC in Hong Kong.

Saying when someone will be free

Giving your number

She should be free later.

She'll be free in an hour.

My number is 8872140. The code for Hong Kong is 852.

She won't be available until 5 p.m.

My number here is 8872140.

Checking a caller's name and number

You can reach me on Hong Kong 8872140.

What was your name again, please?

Could you spell your name, please?

Confirming your message

That's it. I'll be here till 3 p.m.

Could I have your name again?

What number are you on?

Yes, that's right. I'll be in all afternoon.

That's correct.

Does Mrs Bond have your number?

Confirming you'll pass on the message

Fine. I'll give her the message.

I'll make sure that she gets the message.