Telephone English

Do you feel afraid of talking on the phone in English?

This fear will disappear if you practise often. The hardest part about using the phone in a foreign language is the fact that you cannot see the other person's eyes, mouth and body movements (body language).

Although you might not be aware of it, in face-to-face conversation you lip-read and watch for smiles, frowns and moving hands.

Listening to someone on the telephone is like listening to a taped section in class. The only difference is that you have to talk back!

In this lesson we look at some of the words and expressions that we use for telephoning. There are also some practice sessions and a quiz for you to check your understanding. Ring, ring...

1. Telephone Terms
2. Telephone Language
3. Telephone Tips
4. Practice 1: Making an Appointment
5. Practice 2: Taking a Message
6. Practice 3: Ordering a Pizza
7. Telephone Quiz