Unit 3 On the phone
3.1 . I'd like to speak to...
3.1 B
Telephonist:(unintelligible) and Company.Can I help you?
Callar: Er... I speak to Dr Henderson, please?
Telephonist: Mr Anderson. Just one moment, I'll put you through.
Anderson: Yes, Anderson, accounts.
Caller: Oh, er...hello, ...is that Dr Bill Henderson?
Anderson: What? No...no, this is Peter Anderson. You've got the wrong extension.
You probably want Dr Henderson in R & D, that's...um...er...657. All right, 657.
Callar: Oh, um...well, c...can connect me back through the switchboard, please?
Anderson: Huh! Well, I'll try...
Caller: Hello?
Telephonist: (unintelligible) and Company. Can I help you?
Caller: Yes, I'd like to speak to Dr Bill Henderson, please.
Telephonist: Dr Henderson, putting you through.
Voice: 657.
Caller; Hello.
Voice: Oh, hello.
Caller: Um...is...is that Dr henderson?
Voice: Er...no.
Caller: Oh, er...I'm trying to get hold of Dr Bill Henderson.
Voice: Oh, you want Bill. I'll just see if I can find him.
Um...ju...just a moment.
Caller: Thank you.
Henderson: Henderson.
Caller: Oh, good. Um...good afternoon. This is Sylvia Perez. Er...I'm calling you from France.
Henderson: Sylvia who?
Caller: Perez: P-E-R-E-Z. Um...we met last month in...in Berlin at the trade fair.
You expressed an interest in our laboratory measuring equipment.
Henderson: Oh, yes?
Caller: Well, the thing is I'm...I'm going to be in your area next month
and I thought might like to...um...call in and see you.
I'd like to discuss the applications you might have for our equipment.
Henderson: Ah, I see. What's this about again?
Caller: Your inquiry about our laboratory measuring equiment.
Didn't you get the literature that I sent you?
Henderson: Yes, yes. Um...that was very interesting.
Caller: Well, the thing is: is it OK if I come and see you during my visit next month?
Henderson:I see. Yeah, all right.
Caller: Now what about the morning of Tuesday 10th April, is that OK? Say at about...er...11?
Henderson: I'll just see if I can find my diary...Umm, yes, here we are. Er...April 11th at 10 o'clock you said.
Caller: That's right. Now, um...is that OK? Is that convenient for you?
Henderson: The next day might be better: Just after lunch for preference.
Caller: Right, so that's...er...the Wednesday.
In fact, that'll suit me fine, that's great.
Now, shall we say...um...2.15?
Henderson: Er...certainly, yes, 2.50, that's...that's fine.
Caller: Oh, and by the way, I'll be bringing our agent Don Reece with me i...if that's OK with you.
Henderson: Oh, certainly. Er...what was your name again?
Caller: Sylvia Perez: P-E-R-E-Z.
Henderson: Fine. I'll see you in April then. You know how to get to our lab, don't you.
Goodbye then Miss Perex.
Caller: Goodbye Dr Henderson - and...er...actually it's Mrs.
Oh, and I'll um...I'll write to confirm the arrangements just to make quite sure we're everything...absolutely right.
And that is the end 3.1 B.
3.1 C
1. ring ring 32543.
2. ring ring (unintelligible) and Co. Good morning.
3. ring ring ...(silence)
4. ring ring Hello.
5. ring ring 33543.
6. ring ring Sales department
7. ring ring Lines from Birmingham are engaged, please try later.
8. ring ring Richmond & Company, good afternoon.
9. ring ring Dr Henderson's office.
10. OUR phone rings Hello, this is Bill Henderson. You wanted me to get in touch...
And that is the end 3.1 C.
3.1 D
First man: Hello, I'd like to speak to Mr Watson.
Woman: Oh, I'm afraid he's still at lunch. Is there anything I can do for you?
First man: No, no, it's all right, I'll call again later today. Thanks very much for your help.
Ms Johnson: Oh, hello, this is Alison Johnson. I'm calling from Cardiff.
Second man: Hello, Miss Johnson.
Ms Jobnson: Is Mr Watson available, please?
Second man: Hold on a moment, please. I'll just find out if he's available...
Hello,I'm afraid he's in a meeting. Is there anything I can do for you?
Mr Johnson: Er, no. Could you ask him to call me back, please? My number is...
Second woman: Hello, I'd like to speak to Mr Watson.
Third man: I'm afraid he's not available just now. Is there anything I can do for you?
Second woman: Could you give him a message, please?
Third man: Yes, certainly...
Ms Richardson: Hello, I'd like to speak to Mr Watson.
Telephonist: Er...I'll put you through to Mr Thompson, his assistant.
Ms Richardson: Thanks.
Mr Thompson: Hello, Mr Watson's office. James Thompson speaking.
Ms Richardson: Is Mr Watson available, please? My name's Anne Richardwon.
Mr Thompson: I'm afraid he's not in the office at the moment.
Ms Richardson: Oh, what time do you expect him back?
Mr Thompson: Not until after lunch.
Ms Richardson: Oh, dear, I need to speak to him rather urgently.
Mr Thompson: Right, I'll ask him to call you back as soon he's free, Ms Richardson...
First man again: Hello, I'd like to speak to Mr Watson.
Mr Watson: Speaking.
First man: Oh, hello, Mr Watson. This is Anthony Bck from...
And that is the end 3.1 D.
3.2 Getting people to do things
3.2 B-1
Terry: Hello.
Jane: Hello, Terry. Are you very busy just now?
Terry: Not really, no.
Jane: Do you think you could help me with a couple of things?
Terry: Oh, sure.
Jane: Well, first of all: you know the German report?
Terry: Yes.
Jane: Well, could you send a copy of it off to Frankfurt for me?
Terry: OK, do you want me to fax it, for send it by mail?
Jane: Oh, fax, I think. Now, let's see, oh then would you mind arranging accommodation for Mr Berglund,
he needs it for Friday night.
Terry: Friday night, sure. Er...Hotel Continental, as usual?
Jane: Mm, that's right. Oh, then could you get in touch with Sandy in New York lunch and ask her to call me tomorrow?
Terry: Ah...I'll be over at the factory his afternoon, er...I won't be able to that.
Jane: Oh, well, never mind. Another thing I'd like you to do is translate the technical documents into English.
Terry: Er...Jane, I'm sorry but I can't. I've got this report to finish by 11 o'clock and it's just not possible...
Jane: Oh, well, look, at least could you just check my spelling and punctuation in the sales literature if I bring it over to you?
Terry: But my spelling is terrible. I'll ask Annette to do it.
Jane: All right...
3.2 B-3
Offering to help
Bill: Morning, Sally, will you be in this afternoon?
Sally: Oh, hello, Bill. No, I've got to catch the three o'clock plane instead of the evening one.
Bill: Oh, goodness. Um...well, would you like a hand with some things you've got to do?
Sally: Oh, that would be great, if you're sure it's no trouble.
Bill: No, no trouble at all. Um...would you like me to check today's correspondence?
Sally: Oh, yes. Yes, that's very kind of you. Look if you do that, can you sign the letters for me as well, please?
Bill: Yeah, of course, no problem. And then shall I call you a taxi to the airport?
Sally: Yes. Yes, please. Now, let me think, I'll need to leave straight after lunch so...um...oh well, no, better make it 1.30, that'd be safe.
Bill: OK, 1.30. And...um...would you like me to do anything about your hotel booking?
Sally: Oh, heavens, yes, I'm glad you reminded me.
I'm sure it's all right but would you mind phoning them just to confirm the booking?
Bill: Of course, of course, no problem. Um...and shall I deal with the weekly report?
Sally: No, thanks. I think I can manage to finish that now. It's nearly ready.
Bill: Sure?
Sally: Mm.
Bill: Um...Oh, I know, would you like me to call Amsterdam for you?
Sally: Oh, oh, that's very kind of you. Er...no.
Let me think, n...no, I think I'd prefer to do that myself because there are some people I've really got to talk to.
Bill: Oh, OK, I understand. Well, um...if you need any...any more help, just let me know, OK?
Sally: Oh, terrific. Thanks, I will...
3.2 B-5
Asking perimission
Visitor: Um...do you mind if I open the window? It's kind of stuffy in here.
Host: Well, er...I'm afraid we can't open the window, because if we do open the window the air conditioning doesn't work!
Visitor: Oh, that's right, no, it's always that way. Er...is it OK if I take off my jacket then?
Host: Oh, sure, yeah. Make yourself at home.
Visitor: Oh, right. That's better. Oh, um...do you mind if I smoke? I notice nobody's smoking around here.
Host: Well, I'm sorry, but this is a non-smoking zone. We took a vote and then we came...
Visitor: Oh, I know. I've...that's OK. I'm trying to quit anyway, I figured it was something like that.
Right, OK. Um...oh, by the way, may I use your phone to book a table...er...for lunch?
Host: Yeah, sure. Do you know somewhere good?
Visitor: Oh, oh yeah, absolutely. Great. Thanks.
Visitor: No, I'll do that as soon as we've finished this.
Um...and...er...also...er...before we go, is it all right if I call my office,
to see if there are any messages for me?
Host: Sure. Go ahead.
Visitor: OK, good, I'll do that as soon as...just a few more lines here.
Um...OK, do you think I could get a photocopy of this leaflet done?
Host: Er...oh, of course, yes. Well, I'll get Tim to do it for you. Tim!
Visitor: Great. And also can I send a fax of these proposals to our branch in Canada?
Host: Er...I'm sorry, but the fax machine is broken down. We're waiting for somebody to fix it.
Visitor: Oh, that's OK. There's...there's one next door, isn't there?
Host: Ah...I don't know. I think so.
Visitor: Yeah, I saw one.
Host: OK.
Visitor: OK, fine.
Host: Right.
And that is the end 3.2 B-5.
3.2 C
Woman: Hello, Utopia Products. Jenny Butler speaking. How can I help you?
Man: Good morning. Er...this is Tony Green of Europrint speaking.
Could you confirm that you've received our samples?
Woman: Ah yes, the samples. No, I'm afraid they haven't arrived yet.
Man: Well, er...we sent them to you by airmail on February 6th.
Woman: Well, we haven't received them so maybe they've got lost in the post.
Would you mind sending us a second set by courier? You see, we do need them rather urgently...
Man: Yes, all right, I'll see to right away...
And that is the end 3.2 C.
3.3 Can I take a message?
3.3 A
Herr Braun: Hello, this is Hans Braun - that's B-R-A-U-N.
I'm supposed to be meeting Mrs Robinson on Tuesday afternoon at 4 pm.
The problem is that I won't be able to make it.
But I can meet her on Wednesday at 9.30, if that's all right.
Could you call me back to confirm if this is all right, please?
My number is 651 31473. Thanks, bye.
And that is the end 3.3 A.
3.3 B
1. Telephonist: REMACO, bonjour.
Mr Schulz: Hello, er...it's Peter Schulz here. Um...could I speak to Monsieur Fevrier, please?
Telephonist: Oh, just a moment, I'll see if he's in. I'll put you through.
Secretary: Hello, Monsieur Fevrier's office.
Mr Schulz: Could I speak to Monsieur Fevrier, please?
Secretary: Oh, I'm very sorry, he's...er...out at lunch. Can I help you at all?
LMr Schulz: Ah. Um...could you ask him to call me today, please?
Er...preferably before 4pm...or...um...any time tomorrow.
Er...it's to do with the arrangements for the July...f...for the congress in July.
Secretary: Yes, who's calling, please?
Mr Schulz: This is Mr Schulz - Peter Schulz.
Secretary: Peter Schulz. And can I take your number, please?
Mr Schulz: Yes, er...it's 01 456 9924.
Secretary: So that's 01 456 9924.
Mr Schulz: Yes.
Secretary: Peter Schulz. OK, Mr Schulz, I'll get Monsieur Fevrier to call you as soon as he comes back to the office.
Mr Schulz: Thank you very much. Goodbye.
Secretary: Goodbye.
2. Telehonist: Green and Harding, good morning.
Paola: Oh, good morning. This is Paola Andreotti calling from Rome. I'd like to speak to Mr Guy Dobson, please.
Telephonist: Oh, certainly, ma'am, I'll connect you immediately.
Bob: Hello.
Paola: Er...no, it...is that Paola?
Paola: Yes.
Bob: Oh, hi! This is Bob Swenson.
Paola: Oh, hi. Um...is Guy around?
Bob: Er...just a minute, I'll check...Um...no, he doesn't seem to be.
He should be back...er...any minute. Er...can I help you?
Paola: Um...yeah. Look, can I leave a message with you?
Bob: Yes, sure.
Paola: It urgent. There's been a mix-up about the labelling of product number 15437 B-that's the one for the Italian market.
Uhuh, I've got that. And I'd like him to get in touch so that it can be cleared up.
Bob: OK.
Paola: Um...he can reach me at this number till tomorrow evening, OK?
Bob: Mmm.
Paola: It's 002 558 9847.
Bob: OK. He can reach you at this number till tomorrow evening: 002 558 9847.
Paola: That's right, great. Thanks Bob.
Bob: OK, bye-bye.
3. Telephonist: Hello, Santos Trading.
Mr Wong: Oh, hello, this is Mr Wong here, calling from Singapore.
telephonist: Yes, Mr Wong, who do you want to speak to?
Mr Wong: Um...I'd like to speak to Mrs Cox, please.
Telephonist: Fine, putting you through.
Woman: Hello, can I help you?
Mr Wong: Oh, hello. This is Mr Wong calling from Singapore. Er...may I speak to Mrs Cox, please?
Woman: Oh, I'm afraid Mrs Cox is away. She had the flu and she may not be back in the office till Monday.
I expect her assistant, Mr Box, can help. I'll just see if he's in his office.
Hold on a moment, please...Hello, Mr Wong?
Mr Wong: Yes.
Woman: I'm very sorry, he's out just now, can I take a message for him?
Mr Wong: Oh, yes, please. Will you tell him I won't be arriving in Melbourne until quite late this Saturday,
at I am local time. And will Mrs Cox still be able to meet me?
Woman: Right.
Mr Wong: And also inform the Royal Hotel that I'll be arriving very very late.
Woman: Sure.
Mr Wong: Oh, wonderful, thanks. Could you please...er...telex or phone me to confirm that this is possible?
Woman: Right, I...I'll take the message, I'll give it to Mr Box and I'm sure he'll be in touch with you.
Thank you very much, Mr Wong.
Mr Wong: Thank you.
And that is the end 3.3 B.
3.3 C
1. Could you please send us 300 kilos of white rice?
2. It's very good value at the moment: the price is only 18 cents per kilo.
3. We require two boxes of ripe bananas, please.
4. Er... the price per box is 115. Is that OK?
5. So the total price is going to be 4,295 francs, all right?
6.Our phone number is 456984 if you need to contact us.
7. So I'd like to order 40 kilos at 14 per kilo.
8. Our order number is JG 404.
9. Have you got that? 500 items are going to cost $900.
10. And...er...here's the item code: it's RAE77--got that? RAE 77.
And that is the end 3.3 C.
3.4 Planning and making calls
3.4 A
'Well, um...a couple of lines on the back of an envelope are enough.'
'No, if I make notes before a call, I can't adapt to the other person's reactions.'
'Well, I get someone else to phone for me if I have to speak in a foreign language.'
'If don't make notes beforehand, I'll forget what I need to say.'
'I try to "rehearse" an important call in my head before I make it.'
'I make much more careful notes before a phone call than I do before writing a letter.'
'I find a minute or two spent making notes before tha call is better really than wasting time during it trying to think what to say.'
'I find it's a good idea to write down some of the phrases I want to use.'
And that is the end 3.4 A.