Ex.18. Listen to the telephone conversations at www.bbc.co.uk.
I
Michelle:
Hello, you've reached the marketing department. How can I help?
Male:
Yes, can I speak to Rosalind Wilson, please?
Michelle:
Who’s calling, please?
Male:
It’sRichard Davies here.
Michelle:
Certainly. Please hold and I’ll put you through.
Male:
Thank you.
Michelle:
Hello, marketing. How can I help?
Male:
Could I speak to Jason Roberts please?
Michelle:
Certainly. Who shall I say is calling?
Male:
My name’sMike Andrews.
Michelle:
Just a second- I’ll see if he’s in. Hello, Jason, I’ve got Mike Andrews on the phone for you ... OK - I’ll put him through. Hang on a moment, I’m just putting you through.
II
Claire:
Hello, finance department.
Female:
Hello, can I speak to Adrian Hopwood, please?
Claire:
I’m afraid he’s in a meeting at the moment. Can I help?
Female:
No I need to talk to Mr. Hopwood, I think. What time will he be out of the meeting?
Claire:
In about an hour. Can you call back later?
Female:
Okay, I’ll do that.
Claire:
Or can I take a message?
Female:
Actually, would you mind? Could you tell him that Jennifer McAndrews called and that I’m in the office all day if he could call me back.
Claire:
Can I take your number, please?
Female:
Yes, it’s 5556872.
Claire:
5556872. Okay, I’ll make sure he gets the message.
Female:
Thanks very much for your help, bye!
Claire:
Goodbye!
III
Male:
Hello, this is the press office.
Michelle:
Rachel Allsop please.
Male:
I’m sorry, you must have the wrong number. There’s no-one of that name here.
Michelle:
Oh. Can I check the number I’ve got…. is that not 5568790?
Male:
No, it’s 5558790.
Michelle:
Oh sorry about that. I must have dialled the wrong number.
Male:
No problem! Bye!
Male:
Hello, press office, can I help you?
Ruth:
Hello. Paul Richards, please.
Male:
I’m sorry, you’ve got the wrong number, but he does work here. I’ll try and put you through. In future his direct number is 5558770.
Ruth:
Did I not dial that?
Male:
No you rang 5558790.
Ruth:
Oh, sorry to have troubled you.
Male:
No problem. Hang on a moment and I’ll put you through to Paul’s extension.
Ruth:
Thanks.
IV
Michelle:
Mr Hibberd’s office!
Peter:
Hello, can I speak to Brian Hibberd, please?
Michelle:
I’m afraid he’s in a meeting until lunchtime. Can I take a message?
Peter:
Well, I’d like to arrange an appointment to see him, please. It’s Peter Jefferson here.
Michelle:
Could you hold on for a minute, Mr. Jefferson. I’ll just look in the diary. So when’s convenient for you?
Peter:
Some time next week if possible. I gather he’s away the following week.
Michelle:
Yes, that’s right, he’s on holiday for a fortnight.
Peter:
Well, I need to see him before he goes away. So would next Wednesday be okay?
Michelle:
Wednesday, let me see, he's out of the office all morning. But he's free in the afternoon, after about three.
Peter:
Three o'clock is difficult. But I could make itafter four.
Michelle:
So shall we say 4.15 next Wednesday, in Mr. Hibberd's office?
Peter:
Yes, that sounds fine. Thanks very much.
Michelle:
Okay, then. Bye.
Ex.19. Choose one of the conversations and try to memorize it. Act out the conversation with your partner.
