How to Make a Business Phone Call
Most of us have to make a business phone call at some point. In this lesson, I will give you some useful tips and phrases to use when you make your next business phone call.
Introduce yourself.
Start the conversation by introducing yourself - state your name and the name of your company. After that, state the purpose of your call.
Be polite, brief and informative.
Make sure to use polite expressions, and indirect questions when making requests.
Repeat important information.
If you are calling to make an appointment or to arrange a meeting, make sure to repeat the details twice, so that there are no misunderstandings.
Leave a message.
If the recipient is busy, you can leave an informative message. Don’t forget to mention your contact details before ending the call if you are calling for the first time.
End the call in a pleasant manner.
Thank the person for their time and wish them a good day.
Useful Phrases
Hello, this is John Smith from Social Scoop.
May I speak to Mr. Jones, please? I would like to make an appointment. I am calling to inquire about further details of our meeting. I’m afraid he/she’s not available at the moment. Can I take a message? Could you please take a message?
The best way to reach me is ... I am looking forward to your call.
I'm sorry, I think you have the wrong number.
Thank you for your time.
Discussion
Have you ever made a business phone call in English?
If so, how did it go?
What would be the biggest challenge for you when making a business phone call?
Do you prefer to talk to the person you are calling, or to leave a message?
When you realize that you have called the wrong number accidentally, do you wait and apologise to the person or do you just hang up?