English Training Material - 05

Could I leave a message?

Language Checklist

Telephoning (1)

Introducing yourself

Good morning, Aristo.

Hello, this is … from … .

Hello, my name's … calling from … .

Saying who you want

I'd like to speak to …, please.

Could I have the … Department, please?

Is … there, please?

Saying someone is not available

I'm sorry he/she's not available … .

Sorry, he/she's away/not in/in a meeting/in Milan.

Leaving and taking messages

Could you give him/her a message?

Can I leave him/her a message?

 

Please tell him/her …

Please ask him/her to ring me on …

 

Can I take a message?

Would you like to leave a message?

If you give me your number I'll ask him/her to call you later.

Offering to help in other ways

Can anyone else help you?

Can I help you perhaps?

Would you like to speak to his assistant?

Shall I ask him to call you back?

Asking for repetition

Sorry, I didn't catch (your name/your number/your company name/etc.).

Sorry, could you repeat your (name, number, etc.).

Sorry, I didn't hear that.

Sorry, I didn't understand that.

Could you spell (that/your name), please.

Acknowledging repetition

Okay, I've got that now.

(Mr Kyoto.) I understand.

I see, thank you.

 

Skills Checklist

Telephoning: Preparation for a call

Reading – background information

Desk Preparation

Have the following available:

• relevant documentation/notes
• correspondence received
• pen and paper
• diary

 

Check time available:

How much time do you need?

How much time do you have?

 

Objectives

Who do you want to speak to?

In case of non-availability, have an alternative strategy:

• call back/be called back – when?
• leave a message
• speak to someone else
• write or fax information

 

Do you want to:

• find out information?
• give information?

   

Introduction

Do you need to refer to:

• a previous call?
• a letter, order, invoice of fax?
• someone else (who?)
• an event (what? when?)

   

Prediction

What do you expect the other person to say/ask you? How will you respond?

 

Language

Key phrases (see Language Checkist)

Pronunciation

Spelling