Making and Receiving Telephone Calls

Making Phone Calls

Introducing yourself

Good morning/afternoon/evening. This is Mike at (company name)/Mike from (department name). Could I speak to (person you’re calling for)?
Good morning/afternoon/evening. This is Mike at (company name)/Mike from (department name). I’m calling about/because…

When the person you want to speak to is unavailable

Can I leave a message for him/her?
Could you tell him/her that I called, please?
Could you ask him/her to call me back, please?
Okay, thanks. I’ll call back later.

Dealing with bad connections

I think we have a bad connection. Can I call you back?
I’m sorry, we have a bad connection. Could you speak a little louder, please?
I’m sorry, could you repeat that please?

Ending the call

Thank you very much. Have a good day.
Thanks for your help. Have a good day.

Receiving Phone Calls

Answering the phone

Company ABC, this is Mike. How may I help you?
Good morning/afternoon, Company ABC. How may I help you?
Purchasing department, Frank speaking.   
Note: If we are taking an external call and talking to a customer, “How may I help you?” is common. If we are taking an internal call, we normally do not say “How may I help you?” For internal calls, saying your name and your department is usually sufficient.

Getting the name of the caller if he/she doesn’t give it to you

May I have your name please?
Who am I speaking with?
May I ask who’s calling?

Responding to a caller’s request

Sure, let me check on that.
Let me see if she’s available.
Sure, one moment please. 

Asking someone to wait on the line

Can I put you on hold for a minute?
Do you mind holding while I check on that? (or “handle that for you,” “check to see if he’s available,” etc.)

Taking a message

He’s/she’s not available at the moment. Would you like to leave a message?
He’s/she’s out of the office right now. Can I take a message?

Dealing with bad connections/wrong numbers

I’m sorry, we have a bad connection. Could you give me your number and I’ll call you right back?
I think we have a bad connection. Could you speak a little louder, please?
I’m sorry, could you repeat that?
I’m sorry, you have the wrong number.

Ending the call

Is there anything else I can help you with?…Okay, thanks for calling. Have a great day.
Is there anything else I can do for you?…Okay, have a good day.

www.businessenglishresources.com/31-2/student-section/business-vocabulary/expressions-for-making-and-receiving-phone-calls/