Telephone English — Leaving and Taking Messages | Business English B1

Phone calls require specific phrases that emails do not.

Calling and asking for someone

• “Could I speak to [name], please?”
• “I am calling regarding…”
• “Is [name] available?”

When the person is not there

• “I am afraid [name] is in a meeting. Can I take a message?”
• “Would you like to leave a message?”

Leaving a message

• “Could you tell them [your name] called? My number is […].”
• “Could you ask them to call me back?”

Taking a message

• “I will make sure they get the message.”
• “I will pass that on.”

Clear tip

Always confirm the caller’s name and number by repeating them back: “So that is James Hill, on 07 …”

Practice

Role-play: A calls for B, who is not available. A leaves a message. B returns the call. Use the phrases above throughout.