If you’re looking for a challenging situation to practise your English, pick up the phone. Not being able to see the other person and the body language can make the chatting difficult. 36 . Here are some tips to guide you through an average phone conversation in English.
1. Greetings.
Every phone call should begin with a polite greeting such as “Hi, how’ve you been?” or “Nice to hear from you”. Even if you’re calling a business contact for a specific purpose, it’d be rude to jump right into business. 37 .
2. Getting to the point.
There always comes the point where you want to move on from friendly chatting and get down to business. What should you do in this situation? 38 . However, if you are waiting to find out why someone is calling you, you can guide the conversation by saying “So what can I do for you?”
3. Interrupting without offence.
Sometimes you may happen to be speaking with a very talkative person. 39 . Keep in mind when you’d like to interrupt, and be sure to do it politely. For example, begin with “I’d like to say something here.”
4. Ending the call.
This can be the trickiest part of the conversation! It may be the time to offer good wishes if it’s appropriate. 40 . Sometimes it’s easiest to just say you enjoy speaking to the other person. Also remember cleverly that saying the word “well” at the beginning of a sentence can indicate you’re ready to end the conversation.
A. Use the phrase “I’m just calling to…” to change to the topic at hand.
B. Additionally, you may want to confirm any plans you’ve made.
C. You should make a little small talk at the beginning.
D. You’d better greet him or her in a friendly way.
E. So it may be difficult to get a word in.
F. Practise English through phone calls.
G. Never fear, though!
GCAEB
—Good afternoon. My name is Peter. I’m the general manager of the personnel department. I’ll be interviewing you. Please sit down.
— 61 , Peter. My name’s Jon. Jon Smash.
—Well, Jon, it’s a pleasure to meet you. 62 .
—I’ve been a manager at Nike for over three years. I won manager of the year award two years ago, and I got promoted last August.
—OK. Tell me about yourself…your personality.
— 63 . I think before I act, and if something goes wrong in our company I always remain calm. I never scream at my employees. And I’ve never lost my temper.
— 64 ?
—I think I’m good at solving problems. 65 . I also love challenges. I work well under pressure. When my boss pushes me to finish a project early I always get it done and never complain.
—Jon, you seem like a very good manager. I like your ambition. You’re very confident and motivated. We like that here at Microsoft. Well, our interview is over……
A. I’m glad it’s you who will offer me the opportunity to get the job B. I enjoy approaching problems directly C. Nice to meet you D. What are your strengths E. I owe my success to my employees F. Tell me about your work experience G. I think I’m very level-headed |
61. _______ 62. _______ 63. _______ 64. _______ 65. _______