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Telephone Call to a Business

This is a typical business telephone conversation. The receptionist (person who answers the phone) says that her boss is not at work now. This conversation is somewhat formal. It is a usual business telephone conversation.

Receptionist: Good Afternoon, Abernathy and Jones¹, how may I help you²?

Ms.* Zellinger: Yes, I would like to speak to Joseph Abernathy, please.

Receptionist: I'm sorry, Mr. Abernathy is out of the office³ at the moment⁴.

Ms. Zellinger: Do you know when to expect him⁵?
Receptionist: I should be back about 3:00. Would you like to leave a message?

Ms. Zellinger: Yes. My name is Belinda Zellinger.

Receptionist: Is that Z-E-L-I-N-G-E-R⁶?

Ms. Zellinger: It's with two L's⁷.

Receptionist: Okay, and may I tell him what this is in regards to⁸?

Ms. Zellinger: Well, it's a rather personal matter...⁹
Receptionist: That's okay. How can he reach you¹⁰, Ms. Zellinger?

Ms. Zellinger: At 555-4857.

Receptionist: 555-4857¹¹. Fine. I will give him the message as soon as he returns¹².

Ms: Zellinger: Thank you very much.

Receptionist: You are welcome. Goodbye.

Notes about the dialog. Here is information about the phrases with numbers above.

1- Abernathy and Jones- this is the company's name
2- how may I help you? = can I help you?
3- out of the office = not here
4- at the moment = now
5- when to expect him = when will he come back?
6- remember, it is important to check spelling or ask someone to repeat something when you are not sure what was said
7- two L's = her last name is spelled with 2 letter L's, not one
8- what this is in regards to = why do you want to talk to him?
9- personal matter = private thing. She doesn't want to tell the receptionist
10- how can he reach you? = how can he contact you? (What is your telephone number?)
11- she repeats the phone number to make sure it's correct
12- as soon as he returns = when he comes back

You try.

Here is a different conversation. Type in words like the ones above to finish the conversation. Check your answers below.

Secretary: Good morning, ABC Company, how (1) I help you?

Mr. Thomas: Hello, this is Bill Thomas. May I speak with Ms. Tanaka, please.

Secretary: I'm sorry, she is (2) of the office right now. May I take a message?

Mr. Thomas: Yes please. This is Anthony Thomas.

Secretary: And how can he (3) you, Mr. Thomas?

Mr. Thomas: At 438-3498.

Secretary: Was that (4)?

Mr. Thomas: Yes, that's right.

Secretary: And may I tell him what this in (5) to?

Mr. Thomas: Well, it a rather (6) matter.

Secretary: Okay. I will give him the message as soon as he (7).

Answers

1. may
2. out
3. reach
4. 438-3498
5. regards
6. personal
7. returns