How to Answer the Phone, a conversation in American English

How to Answer the Phone

A Conversation in American English

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Idioms

Conversation

Vocabulary

Grammar

Secretary: Hello, this is Bloomingdales Department Stores. Nancy speaking. How can I help you?

Caller: This is George Brown from Ladies Garments Wholesale. I need to speak to Roger Dodge.

Secretary: Mr. Dodge just left for the day. Would you like to leave a message, Mr. Brown?

Caller: Oh! I missed him. This is an emergency call. Is it possible to speak to somebody else in his office?

Secretary: Regarding what?

Caller: We cannot deliver the order tomorrow.

Secretary: I see. I will connect you to Mr. Dodge's secretary, Linda. May I put you on hold for a second?

Caller: Sure. Go ahead.

The secretary resumes the call in a few seconds.

Secretary: Mr. Brown, Linda is on the phone.

Caller. Thank you, Nancy.

Secretary: You're welcome, Mr. Brown. Thank you for your business with Bloomingdales.

Vocabulary:

Nancy speaking means "Nancy is speaking." In conversation, this phrase is used for a short greeting someone who is calling. When we pick up the phone to greet the caller. Or, if the caller asks: who is speaking? Then we may say this: Hello, Sue speaking. Hello, Joe speaking and etc.

How can I help you? Tell me what you need.

left for the day: He or she left the office and will not comeback until tomorrow.

leave a message: to tell the secretary your message.

miss: not to get to the person, to be unable to see the person (in this conversation)

emergency: noun. something that requires immediate attention; urgent matter

call: telephone call (in this conversation)

deliver: to send the order to the address

connect: to transfer the telephone call

sure: It's Ok with me.

resume: to pick up the phone again

Idioms and Idiomatic Phrases

put someone on hold: idiomatic phrase. Ask someone on the phone to wait

regarding what? About what?

go ahead: You have my permission from me; please do so.

on the phone: to be at the end of the line of the telephone; to pick up the phone to speak to the caller

You're welcome: You are welcome. After someone says: "Thank you." you respond with this phrase: "You are welcome". It means: It is my pleasure.

Grammar:

Is it possible to +verb in the infinitive form? This question means: "Is there a chance for me to +verb in the infinitive form?". Example: Is it possible to see the manager? This sentence means: Is there a chance for me to see the manager? Is he available to see me?

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