Introduction

This section features phrases you might hear when you telephone a company hoping to talk to someone.

Think

Imagine you are calling a company and want to speak to someone who works there. Can you think of any phrases you might use, or that you might hear?

Useful Phrases

Check understanding

Check your understanding by reading the scripts below:

Michelle:	Hello, you've reached the marketing department. How can I help?
Male:	Yes can I speak to Rosalind Wilson, please?
Michelle:	Who’s calling please?
Male:	It’s Richard Davies here
Michelle:	Certainly. Please hold and I’ll put you through.
Male:	Thank you.

Michelle:	Hello, marketing. How can I help?
Male:	Could I speak to Jason Roberts please?
Michelle:	Certainly. Who shall I say is calling?
Male:	My name’s Mike Andrews.
Michelle:	Just a second - I’ll see if he’s in. Hello, Jason, I’ve got Mike Andrews on the phone for you ... OK - I’ll put him through.Hang on a moment, I’m just putting you through.

Download audio

Download scripts and phrases

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/business/talkingbusiness/unit1telephone/1connecting.shtml

Quiz

Instructions: Choose the one correct answer

1. When you telephone a company the person answering the phone may ask you a question. Which is the correct question?

A Who’s calling please?
B Who calls?
C Who it is?
D Who called?

2. Which phrase means the same as ‘hang on a moment?’

A Just a second
B I’ll put you on
C Go ahead
D I’m ready

3. Choose the correct word: “Please ……. and I’ll put you through.”

A stop
B stay
C talk
D hold

4. What is the expression used to connect two people on the telephone?

A I’m sending you through
B I’m putting you through
C I’m calling you through
D I’m talking you through

Answers

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/business/talkingbusiness/unit1telephone/1connecting_quiz_alt.html

Go to lesson 02 - Messages

Talking Business