Introduction
Making a telephone call to a business is a common task, whether you are asking for information, making a reservation, or inquiring about services. Knowing how to speak clearly, ask the right questions, and understand responses will help you communicate effectively over the phone.
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
✔️ Improve your listening comprehension
✔️ Learn common phrases for making business calls
✔️ Understand how to ask for information politely
✔️ Practice real-life telephone conversation skills
Let’s get started!
Step 1: Listen to the Conversation
🎧 Instructions:
- Listen carefully to the telephone conversation between a customer and a receptionist at a business.
- Pay attention to how the caller asks for information and how the receptionist responds.
- After listening, answer the comprehension questions below.
📌 Audio Script (Telephone Call to a Business)
Receptionist: Good morning! Thank you for calling Brightview Dental Clinic. How can I help you today?
Customer: Hi, I’d like to schedule an appointment for a dental check-up.
Receptionist: Sure! When would you like to come in?
Customer: Do you have any available slots this Friday in the afternoon?
Receptionist: Let me check… Yes, we have an opening at 2:30 PM.
Customer: That works for me. What do I need to bring to my appointment?
Receptionist: Just bring your ID and insurance card. Also, please arrive 10 minutes early.
Customer: Got it. And how long will the check-up take?
Receptionist: It usually takes about 45 minutes.
Customer: Okay, thank you for your help!
Receptionist: You’re welcome! See you on Friday at 2:30 PM.
Step 2: Comprehension Questions
Test your listening skills by answering the following questions.
Multiple Choice Questions
- What type of business is the customer calling?
a) A restaurant
b) A dental clinic
c) A bank
d) A hotel - What does the customer want to do?
a) Cancel an appointment
b) Schedule a dental check-up
c) Ask about pricing
d) Get directions - When does the customer want the appointment?
a) Wednesday morning
b) Friday afternoon
c) Saturday evening
d) Monday morning - What does the receptionist ask the customer to bring?
a) A credit card and a photo
b) Their ID and insurance card
c) A list of previous appointments
d) Nothing - How long will the check-up take?
a) 20 minutes
b) 45 minutes
c) One hour
d) Two hours
(Answer Key: 1-b, 2-b, 3-b, 4-b, 5-b)
Step 3: Vocabulary Practice
Here are some important words and phrases from the conversation. Learn their meanings and practice using them in sentences.
| Word/Phrase | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Schedule an appointment | To arrange a meeting at a specific time | I need to schedule an appointment with my doctor. |
| Available slots | Open times in a schedule | Do you have any available slots for next Monday? |
| Opening | A free time in a schedule | There’s an opening at 3:00 PM tomorrow. |
| Insurance card | A card that provides health coverage information | Please bring your insurance card to the clinic. |
| Arrive early | To get to a place before the scheduled time | You should arrive early to complete the paperwork. |
✅ Exercise:
Fill in the blanks using the vocabulary words above.
- I need to _______ with my hairstylist for a haircut.
- The dentist has an _______ at 4 PM if you want it.
- Do you have any _______ for tomorrow morning?
- Don’t forget to bring your _______ when you visit the clinic.
- Please _______ for your meeting to avoid delays.
(Answer Key: 1. schedule an appointment, 2. opening, 3. available slots, 4. insurance card, 5. arrive early)
Step 4: Grammar Focus – Making Polite Requests Over the Phone
When calling a business, it’s important to be polite and use the correct phrases to request information.
Common Polite Phrases for Business Calls:
- I’d like to schedule an appointment.
- Do you have any available slots for Friday?
- Could you tell me what I need to bring?
- How long will the appointment take?
- Can you confirm the time of my appointment?
Practice Exercise:
Choose the correct phrase to complete the sentences.
- _______ to make a reservation for Saturday night?
- _______ if there are any available appointments tomorrow?
- _______ how long the service will take?
- _______ what I need to bring to the appointment?
- _______ confirm my booking time, please?
(Answer Key: 1. I’d like, 2. Do you have, 3. Could you tell me, 4. Can you let me know, 5. Can you)
Step 5: Discussion Questions
Practice speaking by discussing these questions with a friend or writing down your answers.
- Have you ever called a business to make an appointment? How was the experience?
- What are some important things to ask when booking an appointment?
- Do you prefer scheduling appointments online or by phone? Why?
- Have you ever had a problem with a business call? What happened?
- What are some ways to sound polite and professional on the phone?
Step 6: Writing Challenge
✍ Creative Writing Exercise
Imagine you need to call a hotel to ask about room availability. Write a short dialogue between you and a receptionist. Try to use at least three phrases from this lesson.
🔹 Example Start:
“Good evening! I’d like to ask about room availability for next weekend.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I start a phone call with a business?
You can say:
- Hello, I’d like to ask about your services.
- Good morning! I’d like to schedule an appointment.
- Hi, is this [business name]?
2. How do I ask about available appointment times?
You can say:
- Do you have any available slots this week?
- What’s the earliest opening you have?
- Is there an appointment available in the afternoon?
3. How do I ask for details about the appointment?
- What do I need to bring to my appointment?
- How long does the appointment take?
- Where is your office located?
4. How do I confirm an appointment?
- Can you confirm my appointment for Friday at 2:30 PM?
- I’d like to double-check my appointment time.
- Is my appointment still scheduled for this week?
5. What do I say at the end of a business call?
- Thank you for your help!
- I appreciate the information.
- See you at my appointment!
Conclusion
This lesson helps you improve your listening, vocabulary, grammar, and speaking skills while learning how to make business calls in English.
✅ What’s Next?
Try writing a sample phone conversation in English!
Listen to the audio again and try to catch more details.
Practice making a business call with a friend.