Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Business English
Business English
Message
Taking a Message
Receptionist: Janson Wine Importers. Good Morning. How can I help you?
Caller: Could I speak to Mr Adams, please?
Receptionist: OK Ms Beare. I'll try and put you through. … I'm sorry but the
line's busy. Would you like to hold?
Caller: Oh, that's a shame. This concerns an upcoming shipment and it's
rather urgent.
Receptionist: He should be free in half an hour. Would you like to call back?
Caller: I'm afraid I'll be in a meeting. Could I leave a message?
Receptionist: Certainly.
Caller: Could you tell Mr Adams that our shipment will be postponed and that
the 200 cases ordered should arrive next Monday.
Receptionist: Goodbye.
Key Vocabulary
to catch a person's name = (verb phrase) be able to understand a person's
name
to be busy / to be engaged = (verb phrase) have other work to do and not able
to respond to a telephone call
to hold the line = (verb phrase) wait on the telephone
to leave a message = (verb phrase) have someone take note of a message for
someone else
to be free = (verb phrase) have time available to do something
urgent = (adjective) very important needing attention immediately
shipment = (noun) delivery of merchandise
to postpone = (verb) put off something to a later date or time
to be delayed = (verb phrase) not be able to happen on time, be postponed
to call someone back = (verb phase) return someone's telephone call
The receptionist
Anna Beare
Mr Adams
1. Mr Adams
2. Sun Soaked Vineyards
3. No, but she leaves a message.
4. That there is a short delay in the shipment
5. The caller's telephone number
Answers
1. help
2. speak
3. calling
4. This
5. catch
6. back
7. number