Telephone: connecting

Introduction

This section features phrases you might hear when you telephone a company hoping to talk to someone.

Think

Imagine you are calling a company and want to speak to someone who works there. Can you think of any phrases you might use, or that you might hear?

After you've thought of five, click here for some more ideas.

Listen

Now listen to two conversations. In the first conversation Richard Davies is calling the marketing department of a company and wants to be put through to Rosalind Wilson. In the second conversation Mike Andrews wants to talk to Jason Roberts in the marketing department. As you listen, see if you can hear some of the phrases above.

Telephone: connecting

Check understanding

Check your understanding by reading the scripts below:

Michelle:	Hello, you've reached the marketing department. How can I help?
Male:	Yes can I speak to Rosalind Wilson, please?
Michelle:	Who’s calling please?
Male:	It’s Richard Davies here
Michelle:	Certainly. Please hold and I’ll put you through.
Male:	Thank you.

Michelle:	Hello, marketing. How can I help?
Male:	Could I speak to Jason Roberts please?
Michelle:	Certainly. Who shall I say is calling?
Male:	My name’s Mike Andrews.
Michelle:	Just a second - I’ll see if he’s in. Hello, Jason, I’ve got Mike Andrews on the phone for you ... OK - I’ll put him through. Hang on a moment, I’m just putting you through.