Phone calls can be nerve-wracking in a second language. Learn essential phrases and tips for making phone calls in English confidently, whether for business or personal purposes.
1. Prepare Before You Call
Write down what you want to say before making the call. List key points, questions you want to ask, and information you might need to provide. Having notes helps you stay calm and organized.
Practice saying your name, phone number, and the reason for your call out loud beforehand. This preparation reduces anxiety and makes the call smoother.
2. Essential Opening Phrases
Start with a clear greeting and introduction:
"Hello, this is [Your Name] speaking."
"Good morning/afternoon, my name is [Your Name]."
"Hi, I'm calling about..."
These phrases help establish who you are and why you're calling right away.
3. Asking to Speak to Someone
When you need to speak to a specific person:
"Could I speak to [Name], please?"
"Is [Name] available?"
"May I speak with [Name]?"
If they're not available, you can say: "Could you take a message?" or "When would be a good time to call back?"
4. When You Don't Understand
Don't pretend to understand. Use these phrases:
"I'm sorry, could you repeat that?"
"Could you speak more slowly, please?"
"I didn't catch that. Could you say that again?"
"I'm sorry, the line is a bit unclear. Could you repeat that?"
It's better to ask for clarification than to misunderstand important information.
5. Confirming Information
When someone gives you information, confirm it:
"Let me just confirm that..."
"So, just to make sure I understand..."
"Could you spell that for me?" (for names, addresses, etc.)
This ensures you have the correct information and shows you're professional.
6. Ending the Call
End calls politely and clearly:
"Thank you for your help. Goodbye."
"Thanks very much. Have a good day."
"I appreciate your time. Thank you."
Always thank the person before ending the call.
7. Taking Notes
Keep a pen and paper nearby. Write down important information like names, dates, times, and numbers. Don't rely on your memory, especially when you're nervous or speaking in a second language.
If you need to write something down, say: "Just a moment, let me write that down."
8. Practice Makes Perfect
The more you make phone calls in English, the easier it becomes. Start with simple calls like booking appointments or ordering food, then gradually move to more complex conversations.
Practice with friends or language partners. Make pretend phone calls to build confidence before making real calls.
