If you are a new listener, If this is your first time here, welcome! I’m Craig. This is Reza, and we are going to help you improve your English and take it to the next level.

In this episode: Telephone English

Listener Feedback: Cristina from Barcelona: I need (to) speak on the phone in my work and I always am nervous (I’m always nervous). Can you explain some expression for speaking on the telephone? I love your podcasts and I learn lots of things every week. Thank you.

Telephone English

Reza and Craig agree that speaking on the phone in a foreign language is one of most difficult things to do. You can’t see the other person, so you have no body language, hand gestures or facial communication.

Vocabulary  

To dial = marcar
To put (s.o.) through = pasar/poner a alguien
“Don’t put any calls through for the next hour” – No pases ninguna llamada en la próxima hora
“I’m putting you through now.” – Ahora le paso (or pongo)
To hold (the line) = esperar (¡no cuelgue!) 
To hang up = colgar
To give (s.o.) a ring/call = llamar a alguien 
To phone/call (s.o.) back = volver a llamar (a alguien)
The line’s busy/engaged = está comunicando
Leave/take a message = dejar/tomar un recado
ring tone – tono de llamada

Expressions

Identifying yourself

Hi, it’s Reza speaking.
Hello, this is Craig = Soy Craig NOT I am Craig
Good morning, my name’s Craig.

Reason for phoning

I’m ringing/calling/phoning to let you know …..
I’m ringing/I’m calling/I’m phoning to ask if …..
I’m ringing/I’m calling/I’m phoning to find out if…..
I’m ringing/I’m calling/I’m phoning because I was wondering if …..

We’d like to say Thank you to our wonderful sponsor italki   

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Asking for people

Could I/May I speak to Craig, please?
I’d like to speak to Craig
Is Craig there, please?
Could you put Craig on, please?

I’m afraid… = me temo que… I’m afraid Reza is not here/in the office

Asking for things

Could you…..(+infinitive without to)
Could you ring me back later.
Could you ask/get + PERSON to ring/call me back (later)?
Could you tell me what time the restaurant closes

Would you mind………(+ing)
Would you mind sending me some information.
Would you mind asking + PERSON to get back to me, please?

To review polite indirect questions go to Episode 50.

Would you mind asking Reza to get back to me, please?
I’ll get back to you.

I was wondering = estaba pensando…
I was wondering if we could get together next week.

Giving your phone number

My number is ……
You can get me on …….
You can get in touch on/You can contact me on …..

Ending the conversation

To get back to someone = volver a llamar a alguien
I’ll get back to you tomorrow.

Thank you for calling. Goodbye.
Thanks a lot then. See you.
Thanks for phoning. All the best. Bye.

Do you like speaking on the phone? (in Spanish?)
Do you ever prepare for phone calls before you make them?
What’s your preferred method of communication with people?

Send us a comment or question [email protected] or [email protected].

Next episode: Urban living
The music in this podcast is by Pitx. The track is called ‘See You Later’