You may need to speak on the phone in English every day or even as part of job interview. Sometimes your job may even depend on a phone call. So talking on the phone may be an essential part in everyday life. Here are some important phrases will help you gain self-confidence and even improve your self-esteem when speaking English.

 

Making a call

Good morning! ABC Company, Smith speaking. How may I help you?

Hello, this is Smith from ABC Company.

 

Asking for somebody

I’d like to speak to Mr. Smith, please.

May I (please) speak to Mr. Smith?

 

Giving reasons for calling

I’m calling to ask about your current printing promotion.

I just wanted to ask if you need any more articles for next month’s magazine.

Could you tell me the address of Friday’s networking event?

 

Small talk

Hi, Mr Smith, how are you?

How are you getting on with…?

How are you getting on with preparations to change office buildings next month?

 

Taking messages

I’m sorry, she/he’s not here today. Can I take a message?

I’m afraid he/she’s not available at the moment. Can I take a message?

I’m afraid she’s in a meeting until 4 p.m. Can I take a message?

I’ll give him/her your message as soon as he/she gets back.

 

Leaving messages

Could you please take a message? Please tell her that Cindy from accounting called about Mr. Shapiro’s expense reports.

I’d like to leave him a message. Please let him know that tomorrow’s lunch meeting is cancelled.

He’s not here. Would you like to leave a message?

 

Asking when somebody will be available

 When is a good time to call?

When is she/he going to be back?

Could you ask him to call me back?

 

Asking for information

Could I ask what company you’re with?

Could you give me your mobile number, please?

Asking the other person to repeat information

I’m sorry, could you please repeat that?

Could you spell that for me, please?

How do you spell that, please?

I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your first name.

 

Making arrangements

Shall we say January 20?

How about the following week?

Would the week of January 18 work for you?

What would you suggest?

 

Making requests

Could you send me an email with the detailed offer?

Do you mind sending me the report again, please?

 

Promising action

I’ll ask him to call you as soon as he gets back.

I’ll send you the report as soon as possible.

 

Saying you cannot help

I’m afraid I can’t give you that information.

Sorry, but I’m not allowed to give details about that.

 

Ending the call

Thank you very much for your help.

Thanks for calling.

Thank you for your time.

 

Could I ask who’s calling, please?

How may I help you?

Do you mind waiting a few minutes?

Thanks for calling.

I’m calling to clarify…

I’d like to leave him a message.

When is a good time to call?