When you talk to a receptionist in English you need the right words to say.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The phrases you use will be different depending on the context.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Listen to today\u2019s episode and learn vocabulary and expressions to be able to talk to a receptionist in English.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Michelle asks Lindsay if she frequently finds herself talking to a receptionist when trying to get in touch with someone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lindsay responds that it isn\u2019t as frequent these days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She finds it’s more common nowadays to call and get a recorded voice on the other end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A lot of calls are now automated, especially in bigger businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, smaller companies often still have a receptionist answering phone calls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Today you’ll learn what to say when you want to get in touch with someone but need to get past a receptionist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you are a professional and you live in the U.S., you will likely encounter talking to a receptionist on the phone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You want to be prepared and know what to say or ask to be able to get what you want.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This can be applicable in your personal life as well as at work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, you might call your doctor and a receptionist will take your call.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You need the vocabulary to schedule a doctor\u2019s appointment or whatever is needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lindsay and Michelle share different contexts where you\u2019ll be talking to a receptionist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In these cases, you need to communicate with them a request or that you’re trying to reach someone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are the different scenarios or conversations you may have when talking to a receptionist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When you call and ask to talk to someone, the receptionist might say:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019m sorry he\/she’s not in right now, may I take a message?\u201d<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n What you can say next depends on the urgency and how well you know the person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Today we share phrases for how you might respond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You may not want to provide information about who you are or why you are calling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In this case, you can just inform them you will call back later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That\u2019s ok I can try again later!<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n This is ideal if you don\u2019t want to leave a message and you\u2019d prefer to wait and talk to the person you’re trying to reach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You may need to ask about a good time to call back. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a good option if there is urgency to your conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do you happen to know what time he\/she will be back?\/ I\u2019ll try back then!<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n You can use this phrase to find out more information so you know when to call back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This phrase is best if you do want to identify yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This will often be the best way to ensure your call is returned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sure, this is x calling!<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n You can then share your name and leave details so the person you\u2019re looking for can call you back when they\u2019re available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You will then leave your details with the receptionist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your call is not urgent, you may want to inform the receptionist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Oh it\u2019s okay. It isn\u2019t urgent<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n You can add this as a detail when you leave a message.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This will let the receptionist know the lack of urgency for the call.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can then provide your details for a call back or say you’ll try later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are a couple of roleplays from Lindsay and Michelle using the tips and vocabulary<\/a> shared in today\u2019s episode.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This will help you better understand how to apply these expressions in a conversation like a native English speaker.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n In this first scenario, Lindsay is calling because she needs to know if someone is coming to pick up her client at the airport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Michelle is the receptionist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lindsay:<\/strong> Hi, is George there? In this second scenario, Michelle is calling because she wants to make a lunch plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lindsay: <\/strong>Hi, this is Lindsay. How can I help you? These are great tips for phrases to say to a receptionist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether you\u2019re reaching out for something urgent or just trying to book a time for lunch, you need the right phrase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You want to know how to communicate with a receptionist and get information or leave information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You want to be pleasant and make a good connection even if they are just mediating between you and the person you want to talk to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are so many good tips shared on The Business English Podcast<\/a> to make the connections you want at work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can check out episode BE 329: I Can’t Wait to Meet You in Person<\/a><\/strong> to know what to say to colleagues when you\u2019ve been working remotely and are finally meeting each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n#1: Try again later<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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#2: Find out when to call back<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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#3: Identify yourself<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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#4: Not urgent<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Roleplays<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Michelle:<\/strong> Oh I\u2019m sorry he just stepped out. Can I take a message?
Lindsay: <\/strong>Do you know what time he will be back? It\u2019s urgent.
Michelle:<\/strong> Oh probably in 5 minutes.
Lindsay:<\/strong> Thanks, I\u2019ll try back then.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n\n
Michelle:<\/strong> Is Rachel there?
Lindsay:<\/strong> No, I\u2019m sorry she\u2019s in a meeting. Can I take a message?
Michelle: <\/strong>No, that\u2019s ok it isn\u2019t urgent. I\u2019ll try back later!
Lindsay:<\/strong> Okay, great, have a nice day!
Michelle:<\/strong> You too!<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\nTakeaway<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n