Telephone: appointments

Introduction

Making an appointment can be complicated if two people are very busy. How do you find a time that is convenient for both of you?

Think

Once again, imagine you are making a telephone call. This time you are arranging an appointment to see someone. What phrases might you use or hear?

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

Listen

Now listen to someone making a business appointment over the telephone.

Check understanding

Check your understanding by reading the script below:

Michelle:	Mr Hibberd’s office!
Peter:	Hello, can I speak to Brian Hibberd, please?
Michelle:	I’m afraid he’s in a meeting until lunchtime. Can I take a message?
Peter:	Well, I’d like to arrange an appointment to see him, please. It’s Peter Jefferson here.
Michelle:	Could you hold on for a minute, Mr Jefferson. I’ll just look in the diary. So when’s convenient for you?
Peter:	Some time next week if possible. I gather he’s away the following week.
Michelle:	Yes, that’s right, he’s on holiday for a fortnight.
Peter:	Well, I need to see him before he goes away. So would next Wednesday be okay?
Michelle:	Wednesday . let me see . he's out of the office all morning. But he's free in the afternoon, after about three.
Peter:	Three o'clock is difficult. But I could make it after four.
Michelle:	So shall we say 4.15 next Wednesday, in Mr Hibberd's office?
Peter:	Yes, that sounds fine. Thanks very much.
Michelle:	Okay, then. Bye.