MAKING PHONE CALL IN ENGLISH, EASY

Dear online fellas,

Telephoning and making appointments are two inseparable activities in business English. Contacting our business colleague, whether it is due to business needs or just a simple greeting as a relationship enhancer, has always been considered as an effective way to build and keep the business commitment.

How is a Formal and Non Formal Phone Call

English as lingua franca, is a widely used language, especially in international business. The languages used for speaking on the telephone is basically very similar to those of ordinary conversation, but it is limited in a particular manner by the certain situation, that imposes a number of restrictions. Attention may be called to some of the point differences between formal and informal telephone conversations.

Formal telephoning language is used in a business phone call. The most notable difference for a formal level is that it is conducted because the people are taking politeness as the appropriate way to discuss by phone or online media, related to business or other formal subjects.

While Non-formal Phone calls language is commonly used for non-formal situations or relationships.  It is used among friendship, family members, less formal discussion, etc.

Another difference is that the formal discussion is very precise and factual, keeping to the point and never straying off into the chit-chatting vagueness. which is found at times in an informal conversation or phone call.

Tips on Conducting A Formal Telephone Conversation 

 Here are some tips on how to speak in a formal conversation or phone call :

1. Speak rather slow and Clear.
2. Make sure you listen carefully to other speakers.
3. Learn Telephone etiquette ( manners)
4. Use propper diction, or the choice of words and expressions.
5. Sound enthusiastic.
6. Be polite.
7. Take notes.
8. Say thank you.

Spelling Letters on Telephone

Sometimes we have to spell something over the telephone like an address or a name. native-English speakers often use a special alphabet spelling or use a symbol to say it. 

NATO Phonetics Alphabet

A = Alpha

B = Bravo

C = Charlie

D = Delta

E = Echo

F = Foxtrot

G = Golf

H = Hotel

I = India 

J = Juliet

K = Kilo

L = Lima

M = Mike

N = November

O = Oscar

P = Papa

Q = Quebec

R = Romeo

S = Sierra

T = Tango

U = Uniform

V = Victor

W = Whiskey

X = X-Ray

Y = Yankee

Z = Zulu

Expressions You can use

Here are some  phrases to use if you're having difficulty hearing the other person on the phone :

1. " There's a lot of background noise, I can barely hear you "
2. I am terribly sorry, but you are breaking up. Could you call back?
3. I'm sorry, I'm afraid we are having a poor connection.
4. Pardon me, Could you speak louder?
5. Do you mind speaking slower, sir/mam?

Formal Busines Phone call

Receiver :

Greeting - Company name- your name - How may I assist you?/ at your service.

Eg. Good Morning, Pro native Training and consultancy, with Phia, at your service .

When you are an operator at a company, there is a standard line to say to receive a phone call. and mentioning the company name is one of the most important thing. Avoid saying the word help and use the word assist more in offering a service or to show that you are ready to help.

Another thing to focus always is ready with paper and pen in hand. Take notes, ask for messages from the caller if the requested person is not available. Repeat or read again the message given by the caller to make sure. and Say Thank you. Be warm and friendly with your tone.

Check on the slide below for your practice in making business phone calls

Remember You are not Good Enough Until You Try