Learn how to speak on the phone in English. Make casual phone calls and business phone calls. Leave messages and handle wrong numbers. Read and listen to sample conversations. Then practice and speak with confidence!
Click here for restaurant phone calls.
Casual Phone Calls
Casual Phone Call 1
Listen to the phone call.
Person A: Hello?
Person B: Hi. Is Janet there?
Person A: I’m sorry. She’s not here right now. Can I take a message?
Person B: Sure. Could you let her know that Brian called?
Person A: OK, I’ll let her know.
Person B: Thanks. Bye.
Casual Phone Call 2
Listen to the phone call.
Person A: Hello, Lydia speaking.
Person B: Hi. Is Antonio there?
Person A: Sorry, he just stepped out.
Person B: Oh. Do you know when he’ll be back?
Person A: I think he’ll be back around 4 o’clock. Do you want to leave a message?
Person B: No, that’s OK. I’ll just call him later. Thanks.
Casual Phone Call 3
Listen to the phone conversation.
Person A: Hello?
Person B: Hi, Soon Hee? It’s Jess.
Person A: Hey, Jess. How are you?
Person B: Good. Just making sure you’re still on for tomorrow.
Person A: Yeah, I’ll see you at the market at noon.
Person B: Awesome. Can’t wait!
Person A: Me neither. See you then!
Business Phone Calls
Business Phone Call 1
Listen to the phone call.
Receptionist: Golden Consulting. How may I help you?
Caller: Hello. I’d like to speak to Mr. Brown, please.
Receptionist: Certainly. May I ask who’s calling?
Caller: It’s Gerrard Lee.
Receptionist: Thank you. Could I put you on hold for a moment?
Caller: Sure.
…
Receptionist: I’m sorry, but Mr. Brown isn’t available to take your call right now. Would you like to leave a message?
Caller: No thanks. I’ll call back later today.
Receptionist: Alright. Goodbye.
Business Phone Call 2
Listen to the phone conversation.
Person A: Hello?
Person B: Good morning. Is Mrs. Pascal there?
Person A: Speaking.
Person B: Hello, Mrs. Pascal. My name is Robert and I’m calling from The Green World Gardening. I was hoping to schedule the next spring cleaning for your backyard.
Person A: Oh, right! I almost forgot. Listen, I’m sorry but I’m on another call right now. Could you give me your phone number and I’ll call you back?
Person B: No problem. It’s 555-332-3322.
Person A: 555-332-3322. Got it. Thank you.
Person B: OK, I’ll talk to you soon.
Business Phone Call 3
Listen to the phone call.
Answering System: Welcome to Parkview Place Incorporated. If you know the extension, please dial it now.
…
Voice Mail: This is Susan Bennet. I’m sorry I missed your call. Please leave a message after the tone and I’ll be in touch with you as soon as possible. Thank you.
Caller: Hello, Susan. This is Jackson Cheng. I’m sorry, but I have to cancel tomorrow’s 2 o’clock appointment. Could you please call me back at 555-609-3821 so we can reschedule? Thanks. And again, I’m sorry for the last minute change.
Business Phone Call 4
Listen to the phone call.
Person A: Hello. Accounting Department.
Person B: Hello, is Nicole Schmidt there?
Person A: Speaking.
Person B: Hi, Ms. Schmidt. This is Melody Singh. I’m returning your call from yesterday.
Person A: Oh, good morning, Ms. Singh. Thanks for calling me back! Could I put you on hold for a minute? I’m just finishing up a call on the other line. Don’t hang up!
Person B: OK, no problem. I’ll be right here.
Wrong Number
Listen to the phone conversation.
Person A: Hello?
Person B: Hi, is Fatimah there?
Person A: I’m sorry. You have the wrong number.
Person B: Really? This isn’t 555-7887?
Person A: No, it’s 7886.
Person B: Oh, sorry about that.
Lost Connection
Listen to the phone call.
Person A: Hello?
Person B: Hi, Dhalia? It’s me again.
Person A: Oh, good. You’re back. What happened?
Person B: I don’t know. We got cut off somehow.
Person A: Must have been a bad signal. Anyway, what was I saying?…Hello? Hello?
