Dealing with Problems on the Phone

Problems in communication
You're breaking up... I haven't got a very good signal.
Sorry, it's a really bad line.
I'm afraid I didn't catch that.
Can you speak up a bit?
Hold on while I go somewhere quieter.
I'll hang up and try again later.

Not a good time to call
Sorry, but I have someone other on the line. Can I call back?
I'm afraid I really don't have a lot of time today. Can you call again tomorrow?
I'm just on my way out. Can you call again later?
Sorry, this will have to be quick. I'm about to go into a meeting.

Avoiding Saying 'No'

Sorry, I'll be away on business when you need me.
Er... have you tried John?
Hmm, I don't have a lot of time at the moment.
I'd love to help, but...
It may be a bit problematic...
Try me again when I'm back from holiday.
I'm afraid I've got too much on at the moment.

Quick Requests

Making a quick request
Do you have a minute?
Excuse me, am I disturbing you?
Could you just have a quick look at...?
Could you spare a few minutes?
Do you have a few minutes?
Would you mind checking...?
Could you give me a hand with...?

Responding to requests
Yeah, sure.
No problem.
Certainly. Take a seat.
Yes, come in.
I'm a bit busy right now.
Sorry, no time!
I'm sorry, not just now.
Give me two minutes and I'll be right with you.

Apologising & Responding

Apologising
Sorry I'm late.
I'm sorry that...
I'm very sorry about...
I do apologise for...
Sorry about that.
I'm afraid that...

Responding to an apology
Never mind.
That's OK.
That's all right.
It doesn't matter.
Don't worry about that.
No problem.

Responding to Spontaneous Situations

Inviting / Offering
How about meeting on Friday?
What about meeting on Friday?
Do you feel like meeting on Friday?
Would you like to meet on Friday?
Do you want to meet on Friday?

Accepting
I'd love to.
Good idea.
Why not?

Partly accepting
Maybe... Can I let you know later?
Let me just check with my boss / my wife.
OK... But I can't stay long.
Yes, but can we make it next week?

Declining
Sorry, I'm heading straight home tonight, it's my wife's birthday.
Not tonight, I've had a bad day.
I'm afraid I don't really feel like it today.
I'm afraid I need to stay behind and finish this presentation.

Thanking & Responding

Thanking
Thanks. / Thanks a lot.
Thank you very much.
Thanks for your time / help.
I'd like to thank you for ...
Thank you for having me.



Responding
You're welcome.
My pleasure.
It's a pleasure.
No problem.
That's OK.
Thank you for coming.

Exiting a conversation

Have you ever ended up in a situation where the person with whom you are talking has no intention of closing the conversation and you are already late for a meeting / bus / whatever? Here are some useful phrases which will help you to exit a conversation in a relatively painless way.

Nice talking to you.
I'm afraid I must be off.
Well, I'm going to circulate. It was good to meet you.
Is that the time? My parking ticket runs out in five minutes!
Is that Jack over there? Excuse me, I really must go and speak to him.
I'm going to get some food. I missed lunch because of the conference call.
I promised to meet someone else. But I'll come back when I've seen him / her.
Look, I really don't have time to chat at the moment. I'll call you tomorrow though.

Exchanging contact details

It's essential to make a good impression on a new customer / business partner. The following expressions will come in handy when you meet them and want to swap your contact details.

Asking for details
Let me take your name and number.
Can I have your name / number / email address?
What's the best way to contact you?
I have an email address but I'm not sure if it's current.

Giving details
Let me give you my card. / Here's my card.
Thanks, and here's mine.
I'll send you my contact details by text.
You can call / reach me on 3526849509.
Here's my email address.
It's easiest if you just give me your email address.
The one above is my business email. I check it regulary so please use that one.