Listening Exercise: Telephone Call to a Business

This is a typical business telephone conversation. The receptionist
(person who answers the phone) says that her boss is not at work now. This
conversation is somewhat formal. It is a usual business telephone
conversation.

Receptionist: Good
Afternoon, Abernathy and Jones1,
how may I help you2?

Ms.* Zellinger: Yes, I would like to speak to Joseph Abernathy,
please.

Receptionist: I’m sorry, Mr. Abernathy is out of the office3
at the moment4.

Ms. Zellinger: Do you know when to expect him5?
Receptionist: I should be back about 3:00. Would you like to
leave a message?

Ms. Zellinger: Yes. My name is Belinda Zellinger.

Receptionist: Is that Z-E-L-I-N-G-E-R6?

Ms. Zellinger: It’s with two L’s7.

Receptionist: Okay, and may I tell him what this is in regards
to8?

Ms. Zellinger: Well, it’s a rather personal matter…9

Receptionist: That’s okay. How can he reach you10,
Ms. Zellinger?

Ms. Zellinger: At 555-4857.

Receptionist: 555-485711.
Fine. I will give him the message as soon as he returns12.

Ms: Zellinger: Thank you very much.

Receptionist: You are welcome. Goodbye.

Notes about the dialog. Here is information about the phrases with
numbers above.

1- Abernathy and Jones- this is the company’s name
2- how may I help you? = can I help you?

3- out of the office = not here
4- at the moment = now
5- when to expect him = when will he come back?
6- remember, it is important to check spelling or ask someone to repeat
something when you are not sure what was said

7- two L’s = her last name is spelled with 2 letter L’s, not one
8- what this is in regards to = why do you want to talk to him?
9- personal matter = private thing. She doesn’t want to tell the
receptionist

10- how can he reach you? = how can he contact you? (What is your
telephone number?)
11- she repeats the phone number to make sure it’s correct
12- as soon as he returns = when he comes back