[Getting started]
Introducing yourself, asking for someone, closing politely... Make your English phone calls a success with these essential expressions!
Introduce yourself
"Hello, this is [full name] from [company]."
"Hello, I'm [first name + last name] from [company].
"I'm calling about..."
"I'm calling about..."
To ask for someone
"May I speak to [full name], please?" or "Could I speak to [full name], please?"
"May I speak to [first name + surname], please?"
May I" is more formal, whereas "Could I" is more common.
Check the availability of your contact
"Is now a good time to talk?
"Do you have a moment to talk?
To conclude politely
"Thank you for your help. Goodbye."
"Thank you for your help. Goodbye."
Vocabulary
To pick up the phone
Pick up
Example:
"I picked up the phone."
"I picked up the phone."
To hang up the phone
Hang up
Example:
"She hung up the phone.
"She hung up the phone.
To make a call
Making a call
Example:
"I need to make this call today."
"I have to make that call today."
[Fun fact] Generation Z is learning to phone
In England, students are learning how to make phone calls!
At Nottingham College, a higher education and vocational training establishment, an innovative course is aimed at combating telephone anxiety or telephobia, i.e. the fear of making a call or answering the telephone.
According to a 2024 surveyA quarter of 18-34 year olds never pick up the phone when it rings. Nearly two out of three prefer to receive a text message or instant messaging.
"It's unknown to our generation, we've grown up texting each other. Evie, 17.
For Liz Baxter, Guidance CounsellorYoung people lack the confidence to use the telephone formally. A phone call requires them to think and respond immediately, which is a source of stress.
Formal" calls are intimidating and anxiety-provoking.
And yet, telephone interviews are widely used by recruiting companies. Being able to make a phone call is still a key skill in the workplace. Regardless of the language used.
The course uses simulations of real-life situations - making an appointment, interview calls, customer scenarios - to restore self-confidence on the telephone.
💡 The training reflex
Working professionals can also learn to telephone in English. The practical information sheet "Making a call in English" is a first step towards gaining confidence. To find out more, find out about the training courses offered by ORSYS in association with the British Councilthe UK's international agency for education and cultural relations.
