Answering the phone (informal)
- Hello. Matt here. (caller unknown)
- Hi, Jody. How are you?
- Hey, Justin. What’s up?
Answering the phone (formal)
- Hello? Serena speaking. (caller unknown)
- John Sayles speaking. Who’s calling, please? (caller unknown)
- Doctor Martin’s office. May I know who’s calling, please? (caller unknown)
- Thank you for calling Jeans Plus. Jody speaking.
- Hello Maria. Nice to hear from you.
- Hello Dr Jones. How can I help you?
- City Library. Kim speaking. What can I do for you, Robert?
Introducing yourself
- Hey George. It’s Lisa calling. (informal)
- Hello, this is Julie Madison calling.
- Hi. It’s Angelina from the dentist’s office here. (informal)
- Hello Sayoko. This is Alan calling from Big Boyz Autobody.
Asking to speak with someone
- Hi. Is Nina there? (informal)
- Can you put Michael on? (informal)
- Can I talk to Josef? Tell him Marilyn’s calling. (informal)
- May I speak to Mr. Green in the accounting department, please?
- Good morning. Is Dr Martin available, please?
Connecting someone
- Just a sec. I’ll get him. (informal)
- Hang on a moment. I’ll see if she’s in. (informal)
- One moment please. I’ll see if he’s available.
- Hold the line please. I’ll put you through in a moment.
- Please hold while I put you through to the manager’s office.
- All of our staff are busy at this time. Please hold for the next available person.
Making a request
- Could you please repeat that?
- Would you mind spelling that for me?
- Could you speak up a little, please?
- Can you speak a little slower, please. My English isn’t very good, I’m afraid.
- Could you let me know when she’ll be in the office, please?
- Would you mind calling back in an hour? I’m in a meeting just now.
- Can you call again? I think we have a bad connection.
- Please hold for just a minute. I have another call.
- Please don’t call this number again.
Taking a message
- Can I take a message?
- Would you like to leave a message?
- Sammy’s not in. I can tell him you called if you like. (informal)
- No, that’s okay. I’ll call him later. (informal)
- I’m sorry, but Lisa’s not here at the moment. Can I take a message?
- I’m afraid he’s stepped out. Would you like to leave a message?
- She’s busy right now. Would you like her to return your call?
- He’s in a meeting at the moment. Can he call you back when he’s free?
- Fine. I’ll let him know you called.
- I’ll make sure she gets your message.
Leaving a message
- Can I leave a message?
- Would you mind giving her a message?
- Would it be possible to leave a message?
- Could you tell her Jonathon called?
- Could you ask him to call Paul when he gets in?
- I don’t think he has my number. Do you have a pen handy?
- Thanks. It’s James Brown and my number is 222 3456.
Confirming a message
- Let me repeat that just to make sure. It’s James Brown at 222 3456?
- Was that 555 Charles Street, Apartment 66?
- I’ll make sure he gets the message.
- It’s Johnny, right? And you won’t be at the club until midnight. (informal)
- Okay, got it. I’ll let him know. (informal)
Answering machine and voicemail phrases
- Hey, Brad here. What’s up? Let me know after the tone, OK? (informal)
- Hi, this is Liz. I’m sorry I can’t take your call right now, but if you leave a message after the tone I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.
- You’ve reached 222 6789. Please leave a message after the tone. Thank you.
- Thank you for calling Dr. Mindin’s office. Our hours are 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Please call back during these hours or leave a message after the tone. If this is an emergency, please call the hospital at 333 7896.
- You have reached Steve James, your guide to Computer Technology. Unfortunately, I can’t take your call right now, but if you leave me a message and include your name and telephone number, I’ll get back to you as soon as I can. You can also contact me via email at computech@XYZ.com. Thank you for calling.
Leaving an answering machine or voicemail message
- Hey Mikako. It’s Yuka. Call me, OK? (informal)
- Hello, this is Ricardo calling. Could you please return my call as soon as possible. My number is 334 5689. Thank you.
- Hi Anderson. This is Marina from the doctor’s office calling. I just wanted to let you know that you’re due for a check-up this month. Please call us to make an appointment at your earliest convenience.
Ending a conversation
- Well, I guess I’d better get going. Talk again soon, OK? (informal)
- Thanks for calling. Bye for now.
- I have to let you go now.
- I have another call coming through. I’d better run.
- I’m afraid that’s my other line.
- I’ll talk to you again soon. Bye Jules.
Ref. https://www.englishclub.com/speaking/telephone-phrases.htm