Conversation Topics

On the phone

When you are a caller

-- Hello?
-- Is that Waldo?
-- Can I speak to Alex ?
-- May I speak to João Luís ?

When you are a receiver

-- This is J.B. speaking, who's that?
-- Who's speaking please?
-- Who's calling please?

When you ask the caller to wait

-- One moment please.
-- Just a minute please.
-- Hold on please.
-- Hang on please

When you ask the caller to leave messages

-- Can you leave the message?
-- Can I take your message?
-- Would you like to leave a message?
-- Would you like him/her to call you back?

When calling the wrong number

-- I'm afraid you got the wrong number
-- Sorry, I think you reach the wrong number

When asking the receiver to transfer the line

-- Can I have extension 1234 please?
-- Could you please transfer the line to Mr. Santos ,  please?

When finish talking

-- Nice talking to you
-- Talk to you later

Now let’s see some examples how to reserve a table in a restaurant.

Example 1  Waiter : Excuse me, how many people? You    : Five, can we get a non-smoking section? Waiter : Sure but there are few people ahead of you right now. You    : How long do we have to wait? Waiter : Around five to ten minutes

Example 2 

Waiter : How many do you have?
You    : Just two. Can we have a table outside?
Waiter : You may have to wait for a while.
You    : For how long?
Waiter : Twenty minutes
You    : Well, I think we'll try another place then. Thank you! 

...........................................................................................

Ok. Now let’s see how can we ask somebody to take pictures for us. 

Example 1  You        : Excuse me. Do you mind taking us pictures? Stranger  : Sure? You        : Thank you. You can just press the button here. Example 2  You        : Excuse me. Can you take pictures for us please? Stranger  : Certainly. Is everything set? You        : Please move to the left a bit. Thank you.

Example 3

 

You       : Excuse me. Can you do me a favor?
Stranger : Sure.
You       : We'd like to ask you to take a picture for us.
Stranger : ok.... All right, ready, one... two....
You       : Thanks a lot