Ex.4. Read a sample telephone conversation.
Michelle:
Mr Hibberd’s office.
Peter:
Hello, can I speak to Brian Hibberd, please?
Michelle:
I’m afraid he’s in a meeting until lunchtime. Can I take a message?
Peter:
Well, I’d like toarrange an appointment to see him, please. It’s Peter Jefferson here.
Michelle:
Could you hold on for a minute, Mr Jefferson. I’ll just look in the diary. So when’s it convenient for you?
Peter:
Some time next week if possible. I know he’s away the following week.
Michelle:
Yes, that’s right, he’s on holiday for a fortnight.
Peter:
Well, I need to see him before he goes away. So would next Wednesday be okay?
Michelle:
Wednesday. Let me see. He's out of the office all morning. But he's free in the afternoon, after about three.
Peter:
Three o'clock is going to be a little difficult. But I could make it after four.
Michelle:
So shall we say 4.15 next Wednesday, in Mr Hibberd's office?
Peter:
Yes, that sounds fine. Thanks very much.
Michelle:
Okay, then. Bye.
Ex.5. Read and study useful phrases.
I’d like to make an appointment with you.
Could we meet to discuss...
What day will be convenient for you?
What time would be convenient?
How about...?
I’ll look forward to seeing you.
Asking to meet
Are you available on the 17th?
Can we meet on the 16th?
How does the 3rd sound to you?
Are you free next week?
Would Friday suit you?
Is next Tuesday convenient for you?
What about some time next week?
Responding to an appointment:
Agreeing on a date
Yes, Thursday is fine.
Thursday suits me.
Thursday would be perfect.
Yes, Monday would be fine.
Suggesting a different date
I'm afraid I can't on the 3rd. What about the 6th?
I'm sorry, I won't be able to make it on Monday. Could we meet on Tuesday instead?
Ah, Wednesday is going to be a little difficult. I'd much prefer Friday, if that's all right with you.
I really don't think I can make it on the 17th. Can we meet up on the 19th?
Setting a time
Is 3pm a good time for you?
If possible, I'd like to meet in the morning.
How does 2 pm sound to you?
Changing the arrangement
We were going to meet next Friday but something urgent has come up. I'm very sorry.
I'm afraid that I'm not going to be able to meet you after all. Can we fix another time?
Something has just come up and I won't be able to meet you this afternoon. Can we make another time?
Unfortunately, due to some unforeseen business, I will be unable to keep our appointment for tomorrow afternoon. Would it be possible to arrange another time later in the week?
I’m afraid that I have to cancel our meeting on Wednesday, as something unexpected has come up.
I'm afraid that I'm not going to be able to meet you after all. Can we fix another time?