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Telephoning

Telephoning in a language which is not your own is not easy. You should be aware that the person you are speaking to may have difficulties too. Therefore keep the following points in mind:

• Speak clearly. Use clear articulation and try to avoid difficult words and long sentences if it is not necessary to use them.
• Do not speak too fast. Keep in mind that many people tend to speak to fast when they are nervous. Hardly anyone ever speaks too slowly.
• Confirm what you have understood. This is especially important if the other person gives addresses or dates.
• Be polite. Start and end the conversation politely. Try to avoid being too direct. In English this is often done by using would. Compare: I want some more information - I would like to have some more information.
• Be efficient. Make sure that you have prepared the call and know what you want to say and how you want to say it in advance.
• Know the telephone alphabet. This is particularly important if you have to spell names and addresses. You should also know the names of symbols which are used in names and addresses, such as the hyphen and the tilde.
• Know frequently used expressions.
• Listen carefully, so that you do not need to ask the other person to repeat information.

The Telephone Alphabet

Symbols