Speaking on the Phone

English Speaking Topic

• Do you use mobile phone, Skype or landline to make phone call?
• Do you usually receive advertisement on phone?
• Do you think it’s rude to advertise on phone?

Listen to the conversation between Sheeree and Mr Dawson.

Sheeree	Good evening, can I speak to Mr Dawson?
Mr Dawson	Yes, speaking.
Sheeree	Good evening Mr Dawson. My name’s Sheree and I’m calling from Web World, your internet provider. I’m phoning tonight to tell you about the offer on the gold contract and this is one—
Mr Dawson	Thanks, but I don’t want to change contract.
Sheeree	Mr Dawson, you can save money with the gold package. You need to make a one-off payment of—
Mr Dawson	No, I’m sorry, I’m really not interested.
Sheeree	I don’t want you to miss a great opportunity and I really think—
Mr Dawson	Listen, I’m not interested. Now, thank you for calling, but my answer is no. Goodbye.

Learn more: Asking someone to explain

Language Note:

Yes, speaking = Yes, it’s me speaking.

A: Can I talk to John?
B: Yes, speaking./Yes, this is John.

Listen, I’m not interested
You want to stress to the caller that he/she is just wasting your time.

Listen, I’m not interested in your offer. Thanks you.

Learn more: Talking about an accident

 

Useful tip:

1. Using sounds to express yourself

Being an effective speaker means using suitable sounds to express your feelings.

For example:

• “er“, “um“, “mmm” for uncertainty
• a sigh when you are upset or angry

Click on the sentence and listen to the sounds that Mr. Dawson expresses his feelings:

• Er, thanks, but I, um, don’t want to change contract.
• Mmm, no, I’m sorry, I’m really not interested.
• (Sigh) Listen, I’m not interested. Now, thank you for calling, but my answer is no. Goodbye.

These sounds are very useful when you are speaking on the phone.

Learn more: 6 expressions to offer help in English

Speaking at a natural pace

An important speaking skill is the ability to speak clearly and at a natural pace – not fast and not slow. This helps you to improve your fluency and it helps people understand you.