Business English-11 - Can I Help You?

Sources: Australianetwork.com

We look at how to make business calls. You can watch the video or just listen to the audio.

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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: Would 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. Thankyou.

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.
Goodbye.

WILSON: Goodbye

When we 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 we use on the phone follows conventions.
Wilson & Wilson, can I help you?

Yes, this is Lin Chan from Acme Appliances. I'd like to speak to Mr Wilson if he's available please?
When answering the phone, a switchboard 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'.

Often it's not convenient to speak to someone straight away. 'If he's available' really means, 'If he wants to speak to me at the moment.' Here's some useful phrases for asking for someone on the phone:
Is Mr Wilson available please?

Could I speak to Mr Wilson if he's available?

Could you put me through to Mr Wilson?'

I'd like to speak to Mr Wilson if possible please.
So we can say:
'I'd like to speak to Mr Wilson'
Or 'Could I speak to Mr Wilson?'
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