Talking Business: Telephone

Introduction

Making an appointment can be complicated if two people are very busy. How do you find a time that is convenient for both of you?

Think

Once again, imagine you are making a telephone call. This time you are arranging an appointment to see someone. What phrases might you use or hear?

Listen

Now listen to someone making a business appointment over the telephone.

Check understanding

Check your understanding by reading the script below:

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 to arrange 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 convenient for you?
Peter:	Some time next week if possible. I gather 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 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.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/business/talkingbusiness/unit1telephone/4appointments.shtml

Quiz

Instructions: Finish the sentence with the correct phrase.

1. I’d like to ___________ an appointment

A arrange
B have
C do
D save

2. I could ________ it after four

A take
B fake
C get
D make

3. Let’s meet next Wednesday… shall we _____ 4.15?

A arrange
B say
C suggest
D see

4. Would next _________ be OK?

A day
B morning
C week
D afternoon

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/business/talkingbusiness/unit1telephone/4appointments_quiz_alt.html

Talking Business