Formal and Informal Telephone Conversation

The language used for speaking on the telephone is basically very similar to that of ordinary conversation. Attention may be called to some of the chief differences between formal and informal telephone conversations. The most notable difference is that a formal telephone conversation is conducted at a much more formal level because the people speaking are taking care to use the high level of politeness. Another difference is that the formal discussion is very precise and factual. Finally, there is of course a considerable difference in the vocabulary, with more technical terms.

Telephone etiquette

The techniques of telephoning are very much the same in all countries. Only remember your good telephone manners.

1. When talking on the telephone — speak clearly. Do not shout and take your cigarette out of your mouth.

2. Make sure that your conversation with a busy person is as brief as possible.

3. When calling a friend who does not recognize your voice — don’t play «Guess who». Announce yourself promptly.

4. When you get a wrong number don’t ask «What number is this?». It is good manners to ask «Is this two-three-four-five-six?». If not — apologize.

5. If a wrong number call comes through don’t lose your temper. Simply say: «Sorry, wrong number» — and hang up.

6. Always identify yourself when making a call, especially if you are calling on business, e.g. «This is Mr. Volkov of the Ukrainian Trade Mission. Could I speak to Mr. Gones…».

7. If you have a visitor, do not carry on a long chat while your visitor tries hard to avoid listening to your conversation. The best thing to do is to say you are busy at the moment and … May I call you back in a little while?». But don’t forget to do so.

Vocabulary

Using the telephone

Making and answering

a call

hello!

John speaking

it's Maria here

could I speak to ..., please?

Bill speaking!

who's calling?

could I ask who's calling?

where are you calling from?

what company are you calling from?

how do you spell that?

do you know what extension he's on?

one moment, please

hold the line, please

I'll put him on

I'll put her on

I'm sorry, he's ...

not available at the moment

in a meeting

I'm sorry, she's ...

on another call

not in at the moment

would you like to leave a message?

could you ask him to call me?

could you ask her to call me?

can I take your number?

what's your number?

could I take your name and number, please?

I'll call back later

is it convenient to talk at the moment?

can I call you back?

please call back later

thanks for calling

how do I get an outside line?

have you got a telephone directory?

can I use your phone?

If you receive an unwanted phone call, you might find the following expressions useful:

I'm sorry, I'm not interested

sorry, I'm busy at the moment

ProblemsI can't get a dialling tone

the line's engaged

I can't get through at the moment

I'm only getting an answering machine

sorry, you must have the wrong number

can you hear me OK?

I can't hear you very well

it's a bad line

could you please repeat that?

I've been cut off

Directory enquiriesdo you know the number for ...?

directory enquiries

international directory enquiries

could you tell me the number for ...?

the National Gallery

do you know the address?

I'm afraid that number's ex-directory

could you tell me the dialing code for ...?

Manchester

Mobile phonesmy battery's about to run out

I need to charge up my phone

I'm about to run out of credit

sorry, I ran out of credit

I can't get a signal

I've got a very weak signal

I'll send you a text

I'll text you later

could I borrow your phone, please?

I'd like a phonecard, please

Sample answerphone messageThank you for calling.

There's no-one here to take your call at the moment.

Please leave a message after the tone, and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Arranging to meet

Inviting someone out

are you up to anything this evening?

have you got any plans for ...?

this evening

tomorrow

the weekend

are you free ...?

this evening

tomorrow afternoon

tomorrow evening

what would you like to do this evening?

do you want to go somewhere at the weekend?

would you like to join me for something to eat?

do you fancy going out tonight?

sure

I'd love to

sounds good

that sounds like fun

sorry, I can't make it

I'm afraid I already have plans

I'm too tired

I'm staying in tonight

I've got too much work to do

I need to study

I'm very busy at the moment

Arranging the time and place

what time shall we meet?

let's meet at ...

eight o'clock

where would you like to meet?

I'll see you ... at ten o'clock

in the pub

at the cinema

I'll meet you there

see you there!

let me know if you can make it

I'll call you later

what's your address?

Meeting upI'm running a little late

I'll be there in ... minutes

five

ten

fifteen

have you been here long?

have you been waiting long?