THE TELEPHONE: LANGUAGE

Here are some typical phrases that you can use in a telephone conversation.

Answering the phone	Hello? (informal) Thank you for calling (place).  (name of the speaker) speaking. How can I help you? (name of place).
Introducing yourself	Hey (name of listener). It's (name of speaker) calling. (informal) Hello, this is  (name of speaker) calling. Hi, it's (name of speaker) from the (place). This is he/she.* Speaking.* *The person answering says this if the caller does not recognize their voice/or has asked to speak with them
Asking to speak with someone	Is (name) in? (informal) Is (name) there, please? (informal) Can I talk to (name)? (informal) May I speak with (name), please? Would (name) be in/available?
Connecting someone	Just a sec. I'll get him/her. (informal) Hang on one second. (informal) Please hold and I'll put you through to his/her office. One moment please. All of our operators are busy at this time. Please hold for the next available person.
Making special requests	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 strong. Can you call me back? I think we have a bad connection. Can you please hold for a minute? I have another call.
Taking a message for someone	(name) not in. Who's this? (informal) I'm sorry, (name) is not here at the moment. Can I ask who's calling? I'm afraid she/he's stepped out. Would you like to leave a message? She/He's on lunch right now.Who's calling please? She/He's busy right now. Can you call again later? I'll let him know you called. I'll make sure he/she gets the message.
Leaving a message with someone	Yes, can you tell him/her (name of speaker) called, please? No, that's okay, I'll call back later. Yes, it's (name) from (place) here. When do you expect him/her back in the office? Thanks, could you ask her/him to call (name of speaker) when he/she gets in? Do you have a pen handy? I don't think she/he has my number. Thanks. My number is 222-3456, extension 12.
Confirming information	Okay, I've got it all down. Let me repeat that just to make sure. Did you say (repeat information)? You said your name was (repeat information), right? I'll make sure she/he gets the message.
Listening to an answering machine	Hello. You've reached (phone number). Please leave a detailed message after the beep.Thank you. Hi, this is (name). I'm sorry I'm not available to take your call at this time. Leave me a message and I'll get back to you as soon as I can. Thank you for calling (place). Our hours are ....am-....pm, Monday-Friday. Please call back during these hours, or leave a message after the tone. If this is an emergency please call (number).
Leaving a message on an answering machine	Hey (name of listener). It's (name of speaker). Call me! (informal) Hello, this is (name of speaker) calling for (name of listener). Could you please return my call as soon as possible. My number is (phone number). Thank you. Hello (name of listener). This is (name of speaker) from (place) calling.  Please give us a ring/buzz whenever it's convenient.
Finishing a conversation	Well, I guess I better get going. Talk to you soon. Thanks for calling. Bye for now. I have to let you go now. I have another call coming through. I better run. I'm afraid that's my other line. I'll talk to you again soon. Bye.