Themes > Retailing > Using the telephone more effectively
Using the telephone more effectively

Finishing the phone call

Starting a phone call is easy, but sometimes finishing one can be very difficult. Have you ever been stuck on the telephone, unable to end the call politely and get back to your work?

Look at the conversation below. Find six ways Mrs Davies tries to end the call politely and write a sentence in each answer box below.

Davies:

 OK. So, that's 10.30 on Friday morning. I'll see you then Mr Jenkins.

Jenkins:

 Yes. I look forward to it. It's been a while since we last met, hasn't it?

Davies:

 Yes, it has. So I'll see you on Friday. Thanks for calling.

Jenkins:

 Oh that's all right. It's always a pleasure talking to you Mrs Davies.

Davies:

 And it's a pleasure talking to you, too. But I'm afraid I'll have to go now. I've got lots to do.

Jenkins:

 Yes, it's that time of year, isn't it? Everyone's busy.

Davies:

 Yes, Mr Jenkins they are. But I really must be going now. So, thanks for calling. Bye.

Jenkins:

 OK. Goodbye.


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Now complete the three short conversations using some of the phrases:

Cross:

 Three-thirty on Wednesday - that's great Mr Smith.

Smith:

 I might be a little bit late because of the traffic. You know what it's like nowadays, it's simply terrible!

Cross:

 That's true. on Wednesday at 3.30, Mr Smith. Thanks for calling. Bye.

Cook:

 That's great. I'm looking forward to it.

Jones:

 So are we, Ms Cook. or I'll miss my bus.

Cook:

 Oh all right. See you next week, then.

Jones:

 Yes, see you then. Bye.

Harris:

 ... so, in the end we had to send them back. Can you believe it?

Pool:

 No, that's not very good, is it? I'm afraid you'll have to excuse me, Mr Harris, but and I have to finish it all today.

Harris:

 Oh that's OK. I'm quite busy myself, really.

Pool:

 . Bye.

Harris:

 Bye.
   


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