The Business of English: Can I help you? part 1.

Transcript:

TAMMY: Wilson & Wilson, can I help you?

LIN: Yes, this is Lin Chan from Acme Appliances. I'd like to speak to Mr Wilson if he's available please?

TAMMY: Wound that be Mr Wilson Senior or Mr Wilson Junior?

LIN: Mr Wilson Senior.

TAMMY: I'll just see if he's available - hold the line please.
It's  a Lin Chan from Acme.

I'm sorry, Mr. Wilson's in a meeting at the moment. May I take a message?

LIN: Yes, could you ask him to phone me please. My number's 23115654.

TAMMY: I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name.

LIN: Lin Chan, Acme Appliances.

TAMMY: Let me check the number, 23115654.

LIN: That's right.

TAMMY: I'll pass that message on. Thank you.

LIN: Thanks. Bye.

LIN: Acme Appliances, Lin Chan speaking.

WILSON: This is Tom Wilson returning your call.

LIN: Ah yes, Mr Wilson. Thanks for calling back. I wanted to set up a meeting with you to discuss your requirements for next year.

WILSON: Yes, certainly. How about Thursday about two-thirty.

LIN: That would be fine.

WILSON: Okay, I look forward to seeing you then.

LIN: Thursday, 2.30. See you then. Good bye.

WILSON: Goodbye

When you use the phone we can't see the other person, so we have to listen carefully and speak clearly. Often we deal with a switchboard operator or personal assistant, but the language you use on the phone follows conventions.

"Wilson & Wilson, can I help you? Yes, this's Lin Chan from Acme Appliances.  I'd like to speak to Mr Wilson if he's available please?"

When answering the phone, a switcherboard operator will usually say the name of the company, then 'can I help you? ' or 'How can I help you?'

Or they may not say anything after the name of the company. In any case, the caller normally says their name, by saying 'this is' and their name, then the name of their company after the words 'from' or 'of ', and then who they would like to speak to.

Don't wait to be asked, but offer the information. On the phone, unless you know the other party personally, always use polite, formal language.

"Wilson & Wilson. What do you want? Lin Chan here. Put me through to Wilson. He doesn't want to speak to you. "

Mr. Wilson might not want to speak to Lin - but it's not polite to say this. Notice that Lin says she wants to speak to Mr Wilson 'if he's available.'

Credit to A+. Ref: A+