Taking telephone messages

English at Work helps you note it down

Key Vocabulary

to catch a person's name = (verb phrase) be able to understand a person's name

to be busy / to be engaged = (verb phrase) have other work to do and not able to respond to a telephone call

to hold the line = (verb phrase) wait on the telephone

to leave a message = (verb phrase) have someone take note of a message for someone else

to be free = (verb phrase) have time available to do something

urgent = (adjective) very important needing attention immediately

shipment = (noun) delivery of merchandise

to postpone = (verb) put off something to a later date or time

to be delayed = (verb phrase) not be able to happen on time, be postponed

to call someone back = (verb phase) return someone's telephone call

บทสนทนาที่ 1 Taking a Message

Receptionist: Janson Wine Importers. Good Morning. How can I help you?

Caller: Could I speak to Mr Adams, please?

Receptionist: Who's calling please?

Caller: This is Anna Beare.

Receptionist: Sorry, I didn't catch your name.

Caller: Anna Beare. That's B E A R E

Receptionist: Thank you. And where are you calling from?

Caller: Sun Soaked Vineyards

Receptionist: OK Ms Beare. I'll try and put you through. … I'm sorry but the line's busy. Would you like to hold?

Caller: Oh, that's a shame. This concerns an upcoming shipment and it's rather urgent.

Receptionist: He should be free in half an hour. Would you like to call back?

Caller: I'm afraid I'll be in a meeting. Could I leave a message?

Receptionist: Certainly.

Caller: Could you tell Mr Adams that our shipment will be postponed and that the 200 cases ordered should arrive next Monday.

Receptionist: Shipment delayed … arriving next Monday.

Caller: Yes, and could you ask him to call me back when the shipment arrives?

Receptionist: Certainly. Could you give me your number please?

Caller: Yes, it's 503-589-9087

Receptionist: That's 503-589-9087

Caller: Yes, that's right. Thanks for your help. Goodbye

Receptionist: Goodbye.

Vocabulary Check Quiz

• 1. Good morning. How can I ______ you?

  2. Could I ________ to Ms Devon, please?

  3. Who's ____________, please?

  4. ________ is Kevin Trundel.

  5. I'm sorry, I didn't ____________ your name.

  6. I'm sorry. She's ___________. Can I take a ____________?

  7. Could you ask her to call me _________?

  8. Could I have your ___________, please?

Answers

• 1. help

  2. speak

  3. calling

  4. This

  5. catch

  6. back

  7. number

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