Dialogue between a secretary and an office guest. Business negotiations in English Business conversation in English

The ability to conduct a conversation is a talent, and the ability to conduct a conversation in English is an even more unique and very necessary talent. In this article we will tell you how to greet and say goodbye to your interlocutor, express agreement and disagreement in English, interrupt your interlocutor and deal with rudeness. We will also provide a list of recommended and prohibited topics for conversation.

We have written a simple phrasebook for travelers, in which you will find dialogues, phrases and vocabulary on 25 essential topics. Go on a journey with the main character and improve your English. You can download the book for free at.

Greeting in English

Any conversation begins with a greeting. We offer you two lists of expressions: formal and informal greetings in English. Use the former when communicating in a business environment or when meeting a person, the latter when talking with friends. However, you don’t have to learn all the phrases in a row. To begin with, you can learn just a couple of greetings, use them and gradually learn the rest.

Formal greetings in English are appropriate when communicating with colleagues, business partners, and people you are meeting for the first time. In the latter case, you will also need to find out the person’s name, give yours in response and say that you are pleased to meet him. Here is a set of phrases for a formal greeting:

Phrase	Translation
Hello!	Hello!
Good morning/afternoon/evening!	Good morning/afternoon/evening!
I am glad to see you. / I am happy to see you. / I am pleased to see you.	I'm glad to see you.
Good to see you again. / Nice to see you again.	Glad to see you again.
How have you been?	How are you?
You met a person for the first time
What is your name?	What is your name?
My name is (name). Nice to meet you!
My name is (name). It is a pleasure to meet you!	My name is (name). Nice to meet you!

Possible greeting responses:

Phrase	Translation
Fine thanks, and you?	Fine, thank you, and how are you?
	Okay, thank you, how are you?
Very well, thanks.	Very good thanks.
Pretty good, thanks.	Pretty good, thanks.
How do you do?	- response to the greeting How do you do? (obsolete)

How do you do? - an outdated greeting. It is sometimes used as a phrase, “Nice to meet you,” and is only said when seeing a person for the first time. The correct answer to How do you do? - this is How do you do?, that is, you don’t need to talk about your business.

If you didn't hear how a person said something to you, ask them to repeat it by saying Sorry?, Pardon? or Could you repeat, please?

Informal greetings in English that you can use when meeting friends:

Phrase	Translation
Hi!	Hello!
Hello there! / Hey there!	Hello!
Look who's here! Long time no see!	Look who I see! Haven't seen each other for a hundred years! (when you are happy to see someone you haven't seen for a long time)
Morning!	An informal alternative to good morning.
How's life?	What's up?
How are you?	How are you
How are things?	How are you?
What's up? (Sup!) / How are you getting on? / How is it going?	How are you?
What's new?	What's new?
What have you been up to?	What have you been doing all this time?
Nice to see you! / Good to see you!	Glad to see you!
Long time no see! / It has been while!	Haven't seen each other for a hundred years! / Long time no see!

The answer to an informal greeting might sound like this:

Phrase	Translation
Great, thanks!	Excellent thank you!
Fine thanks, and you?	Okay, thanks, what about you?
Fine thanks, what about yourself?	Good, thanks. And how are you?
Not bad!	Not bad!
Can't complain.	I can't complain. (in a good way)
I am doing pretty well.	I'm doing pretty well.
I have been better.	It could have been better.
Nothing much.	Nothing special.

How to start a conversation in English

After you have greeted the person, you need to somehow continue your conversation. If you are talking with a friend, then, of course, you will quickly find a topic for communication. However, if you just met a person at a friend’s house or at an official event, then you need to “break the ice”, that is, establish contact between you and your new acquaintance. Our teachers’ blog has a good article “Breaking the ice: how to start a conversation in English”, read this material and use it in practice. In this article we will give you a small selection of phrases that will help you start a conversation with your interlocutor.

If you are at a formal event, you can use the following conversational phrases in English to start a conversation:

Phrase	Translation
I've heard so much about you.	I've heard a lot about you.
I’ve heard so much about you from Mr. Smith.	I heard a lot about you from Mr. Smith.
How do you like the conference/workshop?	How did you like the conference/training?
Is it your first time at the conference/workshop?	Is this your first time at a conference/training?
So, you work in IT, right?	You work in IT, right?
Have you always been in IT?	Have you always worked in IT?
How long have you been a member of ABC organization?	How long have you been a member of the ABC organization?
How long have you been working for this firm?	How long have you been working for this company?
I am from Moscow/Russia. And you?	I'm from Moscow/Russia. And you?
How do you like it here?	Do you like it here? / What are your impressions?
How long have you been here?	How long have you been here?
How long have you been living here?	How long have you lived here?
This is my first visit to London. What do you recommend to visit while I am here?	This is my first visit to London. What would you recommend I watch while I'm here?
This place is really nice. Do you come here a lot?	This place is truly wonderful. Do you come here often?

Do you need to start a conversation in English in an informal setting? The following phrases would be appropriate at a party:

Phrase	Translation
That is a lovely name. Are you named after someone?	This is a wonderful name. Were you named after someone?
Who are you here with?	Who did you come here with?
How do you know Jane?	How do you know Jane?
So, you are friends with Jane, right?	You and Jane are friends, right?
I think we've met somewhere.	I think you and I have already met somewhere.
I love your hat/dress/blouse. It really suits you.	I like your hat/dress/blouse. It really suits you.
So, you like football.	So you love football.
Where will you spend Easter?	Where will you spend Easter? (any holiday)
The food looks great! Have you tried the cake/dessert/wine?	The food looks great! Have you tried the cake/dessert/wine?
These decorations are wonderful. I love the flowers!	These decorations are wonderful. I love these flowers!

How to express your opinion on any issue

So, your mission has been a success: you have attracted the attention of your interlocutor and he answered the question. Now it’s important to keep his attention and continue the conversation. Most likely, your new acquaintance will ask you a question similar to yours or ask you to express your opinion on some topic. To answer him confidently, you need to know how to express your opinion in English. Of course, you can immediately express your point of view, but we suggest that you learn special phrases that will make your speech more beautiful and persuasive. You can use them in both formal and informal settings. At an official event, try to formulate your thoughts more softly, with less emotionality, than when communicating with friends.

Phrase	Translation
In my opinion...	In my opinion...
The way I see it...	From my point of view...
In my experience...	In my experience...
As far as I'm concerned...	As far as I understand...
To tell the truth... / Frankly speaking...	Honestly...
According to Mr. Smith...	As Mr. Smith says...
If you ask me...	Personally, I think...
Personally, I think...	Personally I think...
Speaking for myself...	In my opinion...
I'd say that...	I would say that...
I'd suggest that...	I would guess that...
I'd like to point out that...	I would like to mention that...
I believe that...	I believe that... / I believe that...
What do I mean...	I mean that...
To my mind...	In my opinion...
From my point of view...	From my point of view...
My opinion is that...	My opinion is that...
I hold the opinion that...	I am of the opinion that...
I guess that...	I believe that...
It goes without saying that...	It goes without saying that...
It seems to me that...	I think that...

If you are not entirely sure of your words or want to more accurately present your point of view at an official event, then you can express your opinion in English using the following phrases:

How to maintain a dialogue: phrases of agreement and disagreement in English

So, you have successfully started a dialogue with your interlocutor, discussing a topic, exchanging opinions with him. To avoid awkward pauses, after an exchange of opinions, continue the discussion: express your agreement or disagreement with the point of view of the interlocutor.

First, let's look at how you can express consent in English. All of the phrases listed below are appropriate in both formal and informal settings. They are neutral, so if you are at a social event, just say them in a calm tone, but at a party with friends you can say them more emotionally. Please note: the pronoun you in English means both “you” and “you,” so you can’t go wrong using these phrases in any setting.

Phrase	Translation
I agree with you one hundred percent.	I agree with you/you one hundred percent.
I couldn't agree with you more.	I completely agree with you.
You're absolutely right.	You are absolutely right.
Absolutely.	Absolutely right.
Exactly.	Exactly.
No doubt about it.	Without a doubt.
I suppose so. / I guess so.	I guess so. (there is a small amount of uncertainty)
I was just going to say that.	I was just about to say this.
That is exactly what I think.	That's exactly what I think about this. / I think so.
I agree with you entirely. / I totally agree with you.	I completely agree with you/you.
I am of the same opinion.	I'm of the same opinion.

Now here are a few more emotional and informal phrases that are appropriate to use when communicating with friends:

Phrase	Translation
Tell me about it!	Still would! / Shouldn’t I know!
That is exactly how I feel.	This is exactly how I feel.
Quite so!	Absolutely right! / That's it! / Undoubtedly!
Fair enough!	Agree! / All clear! / Fair! / Logical!

With disagreement, things are a little more complicated. When you want to express disagreement in English, you need to be extremely polite so as not to offend the person, especially if you have just met your interlocutor or are at an official event. We recommend using the following polite phrases to express disagreement:

Phrase	Translation
I'm afraid I disagree.	I'm afraid I don't agree.
I beg to differ.	I beg to differ.
Not necessarily.	Not necessary.
No, I am not so sure about that.	No, I'm not so sure about that.
That’s not really how I see it, I’m afraid.	I'm afraid I see it a little differently.
I'm afraid I have to disagree.	I'm afraid I have to disagree.
No, I disagree. What about...	No I do not agree. But how...
On the contrary...	On the other side...
I’m sorry to disagree with you but...	I'm sorry that I don't agree with you, but...
Yes, but don’t you think...	Yes, but don't you think...
The problem is that...	The problem is...
I doubt whether...	I doubt...
With all due respect...	With all due respect...
I am of a different opinion because...	I have a different opinion because...
On the whole I agree with you but...	In general I agree with you, but...
Yes, OK, but perhaps...	Yes, good, but maybe...
I see what you mean but have you thought about...	I understand what you mean, but you didn't think that...
I hear what you are saying but...	I hear what you are saying, but...
I accept what you are saying but...	I understand what you are saying, but...
I see your point but...	I understand what you mean, but...
I agree to some extent but...	To some extent I agree, but...
True enough but...	You're right, but...

If you are talking to an old acquaintance, you can express a stronger disagreement with his opinion. However, in the midst of a dispute, we still recommend that you think about what is more valuable to you: a friend or the truth. To soften the severity of the following phrases a little, you can start your speech with I am afraid... (I'm afraid...).

Phrase	Translation
I can't agree. I really think...	I can't agree more. I really think...
No way. I completely disagree with you.	In no case. I completely disagree with you.
I can't share this view.	I can't share your point of view.
I can't agree with this idea.	I can't agree with this idea.
That's not always true. / That’s not always the case.	This is not always true.
I don't think so.	I don't think so.
I have my own thoughts about that.	I have my own thoughts about this.
No way.	In no case.
I totally disagree.	I strongly disagree.
I'd say the exact opposite.	I would say exactly the opposite.

How to politely interrupt someone you're talking to

Interrupting your interlocutor without him being offended by you is a skill. Of course, it is best not to interrupt the person talking to you, but to endure until the end of his speech and only then speak out. However, sometimes there are situations when you simply need to urgently intervene in a conversation and end it when you are at a formal event, or “put in your two cents” in a conversation with a friend. In this case, try to break into a pause in speech and say one of the following phrases. And to make everything sound as polite as possible, don’t forget to say Excuse me... first.

Phrase	Translation
Can I add/say something here?	May I add something on this issue?
Is it ok if I jump in for a second?	Can I insert a few words?
If I might add something...	If I may add something...
Can I throw my two cents in?	Can I put in my two cents?
Sorry to interrupt, but...	Sorry to interrupt you, but...
Can I just mention something?	Can I mention something?
Do you mind if I come in here?	Can I join the conversation?
Before you move on I’d like to say something.	Before you move on to the next topic, I would like to say something.
Excuse me for interrupting but...	Sorry to interrupt, but...
Excuse me for butting in but...	Sorry to interrupt, but...
Just a moment, I'd like to...	Just a second, I'd like...
I apologize for interrupting...	I apologize for interrupting...

We would like to focus on polite language, but sometimes it becomes necessary to abruptly interrupt the interlocutor. For example, if a person touches on a topic that is painful for you or is trying to humiliate someone around you, you need to act more decisively. Use the following phrases only as a last resort, they are harsh and rude, and after such a statement the interlocutor may be offended.

If you interrupted a person politely and expressed your opinion, then you need to give the floor to him again. Use one of the following phrases:

Desirable and undesirable topics for conversation in English

So, we have given you some good phrases to help you start and maintain a conversation in English. All that remains is to understand what to communicate about: which topics of conversation are welcomed by English speakers, and which are best avoided.

1. Events in the host city

   A good topic for conversation is recent events in the city. The only condition is that the events must be good and evoke positive emotions, for example: a city day, the opening of a new ice skating rink, etc. You should not discuss news about a maniac or a recent accident, few people find this pleasant.

2. Funny case

   Laughter brings people together, helps them loosen up and relax - exactly what is needed when talking. Remember a funny incident from your life and tell it to your interlocutor, this will help you find a common topic for conversation and feel more free.

3. Trips

   Almost all people like travel and stories about distant (and not so distant) countries, so this is a fertile topic for conversation. Tell us about your trip or simply ask your interlocutor if he likes to travel and where he has already visited.

4. Job

   An ideal topic of conversation, especially if you are communicating with a person at a formal event. At the same time, the rules of politeness require that the conversation take place in a positive way. That is, you may be interested in how long a person has been working in his industry and in a particular company, what attracts him to work. Avoid questions about salary and relationship with management, in this case it is inappropriate.

5. Hobby

   Well, who wouldn’t want to talk about their favorite activities?! Ask the person what he likes to do in his free time, how long he has been interested in his hobby, etc. Sometimes a real strong friendship begins with such an unobtrusive conversation.

6. Music, books, cinema

   The simplest and most obvious thing is to start a conversation by finding out the musical and other tastes of your interlocutor. Try discussing the latest in music or cinema, as well as best-selling books, this will help you quickly establish contact with your interlocutor.

7. Holidays

   Think about the nearest holiday and ask the person how he usually celebrates it, where he recommends you go and how to have fun.

8. Food

   The topic is a universal one. If you are at a banquet, it would be logical to say something unobtrusively about how excellent the food is, or ask your interlocutor if he knows what those nice canapés are made of.

9. Weather

   The topic is quite banal, but unobtrusive; it will come to the rescue if you don’t know where to start a conversation in English.

10. Sport

    A harmless and quite interesting topic, especially if you are going to start a conversation with a man. However, keep in mind that you yourself must be interested in some kind of sport, otherwise you simply will not be able to carry on a conversation on this topic.

11. Entertainment venues (local bars, cafes, clubs, etc.)

    Ask your new friend which places are worth visiting and which ones to stay away from. And if he himself recently arrived in the city, you can offer to go to some interesting place together.

Want to find more interesting conversation topics in English? We recommend taking a look at the page, where you will find 250 interesting questions that will help you start a conversation.

Taboo topics for conversation in English (and any other) language:

1. Personal life. If you are not talking to an old friend, this topic is taboo - you may inadvertently hurt the feelings of your interlocutor.
2. Complaints about work, salary, boss and generally about any topic.
3. Gossip.
4. Discussion of age, weight or appearance.
5. Criticism of someone or something.
6. Bad habits.
7. Indecent topics.
8. Disease and death.
9. Bad news (discussions of crime news, disasters, etc.).
10. Religion.
11. Policy.
12. Finance.
13. Specialized topics that are understandable and interesting only to a narrow circle of people.

What to do if you are rude?

Everyone encounters unpleasant interlocutors from time to time. What to do if you are rude? If you respond to a person with similar insults, you will lower yourself in the eyes of others, so we recommend that you act differently. Sometimes it happens that a person “breaks down” on you, and then asks for forgiveness if you managed to cool his ardor. In any case, we advise you to adopt the following phrases that will help you decisively and at the same time politely deal with rudeness.

Phrase	Translation
Whatever you say.	As you say.
Well, I think we’ve reached the end of this conversation.	Well, I think we're done.
You don't really expect me to answer that, do you?	You don't really expect me to answer that, do you?
Ouch! Did you mean to be that rude?	Oh! Did you intentionally/purposely be rude to me?
I think that was a bit rude.	I think that was a little rude.
You just offended me.	You hurted me.
I’m sure you didn’t mean to be rude, but that’s how you sounded.	I'm sure you didn't mean to be rude, but that's exactly what it sounded like.
I don't really know how to answer that.	I don’t even know what to answer to this.
I feel hurt by what you are saying.	It pains me to hear what you say.

These are the phrases you can answer a rude person. We don’t recommend getting into an argument with him: you shouldn’t waste your time and nerves on such people, especially since you can almost forget English from stress and still won’t provide any compelling arguments, so your words won’t be convincing.

How to say goodbye in English

After the conversation, you need to say goodbye to your interlocutor. Of course, the standard Goodbye will work for almost any purpose. However, you can say goodbye in a more interesting way. We offer you a list of farewell phrases in English:

Phrase	Translation
Have a good/nice day.	Have a good day.
I look forward to our next meeting.	I look forward to our next meeting.
I've got to go.	I have to go. (when you are in a company of people and you have to say goodbye to everyone)
It was nice to see you again. / It was nice seeing you.	It was nice to see you again.

You can use the previous phrases in both formal and informal settings. And for communicating with close friends, we will present you with a few more farewell slang phrases in English:

Phrase	Translation
Catch you later.	See you later.
I'm off.	I went.
See you later.	See you later.
See you soon.	See you soon.
Take care.	Bye! / Come on! / Be healthy!
Talk to you soon.	See you in touch! / Let's call you!
See you next time.	See you!
Bye.	Bye.

Now you know how to have a conversation in English at a formal event and among friends. We highly recommend that you learn the presented phrases by heart, because they will be useful to you more than once in communication. And if you find it difficult to speak English with a stranger, we invite you to our school. Our wonderful teachers will help you overcome the language barrier. We wish you only pleasant conversations and interesting interlocutors!

Full list of phrases for download

We have compiled a document for you that will make it easier for you to conduct a dialogue with your interlocutor. You can download it from the link below.

You can practice conducting and maintaining a conversation in English - one lesson costs 300 rubles.

It's no secret that the telephone has long become an integral part of our daily lives. Effective business communication over the phone has its own characteristics and secrets, which should not be forgotten. Our article is for those who strive for successful business communication with native English speakers via telephone.

“There is no such thing as a good call at 7 AM. It"s been my experience that all calls between the hours of 11 PM and 9 AM are disaster calls.”

“There’s no such thing as a good call at 7 a.m. In my experience, all calls between 11:00 and 9:00 are distress calls."

~ Janet Evanovich

Basic rules for business communication over the phone

Telephone conversations are more difficult than live ones in that the interlocutor is not visible, it is impossible to track his non-verbal reaction, which is often much more frank than words.

Before you begin a business conversation in English, you need to develop certain general telephone communication skills.

Preparing to speak English on the phone

Before making a call, you need cope with your internal tension. First of all, try to focus on the upcoming conversation and relax. After all, the interlocutor does not see you and, hearing the tension in your voice, he may form an erroneous opinion about you. A man may seem more stubborn and stubborn, while a woman may seem unbalanced and unpredictable, and such people in business are very difficult to deal with.

Important!

Try to overcome your fear of the microphone. To do this, you can introduce your interlocutor. It's very good if you know what it looks like. After all, it is much easier to have a conversation with a living person than with a soulless telephone receiver.

Take the call initiative into your own hands. This will give you many advantages. Firstly, you will be able to conduct the conversation in a direction that is beneficial to your company. And secondly, it will be much easier for you to adjust psychologically, since you will have the opportunity to prepare for the upcoming call, think it over, and arrange it in a logical chain.

Consider the timing of your call carefully. It is better not to call about important issues in the morning and at the end of the working day; it is also not recommended to try to resolve important issues before the weekend or on holidays. Before you call, make a conversation plan. Write down the main issues that need to be discussed.

How to behave while talking on the phone

Always speak briefly, without deviating from the main topic of conversation– save your time and the time of your interlocutor. Business partners will definitely appreciate this. The rules for talking on the phone with clients suggest that effective negotiations take 3-4 minutes.

When preparing for a telephone conversation in English, write down the phrases you want to use, and also keep an online translator at hand - this will give you more self-confidence. Keep a small notebook or notebook for business conversations in English. A business person will not use scraps of paper or calendar sheets for this.

Important!

When communicating on the phone, 55% of information is lost, as there is no body language and gestures. 38% of information is remembered through intonation and only 7% of information is conveyed by words.

Practice your phone conversation several times Bring the use of phrases in English to automaticity and you are guaranteed success. The peculiarity of the phone is that it enhances speech impediments. You need to carefully monitor your diction and pronunciation. Recording and listening to your telephone conversations will help you improve your negotiation techniques.

How to start a telephone conversation in English?

It is the greeting stage that can be the key to a successful outcome of the entire conversation. It is very important to set the mood of the conversation and give it an emotional coloring. It is important to immediately show the interlocutor that he is dealing with a business person.

Welcome phrases in English on the phone

How to ask to connect with the right person

How to clarify information about your interlocutor in English

Phrase in English	Translation
Who am I speaking to?	Who am I talking to?
Sorry, who am I speaking to?	Excuse me, who am I talking to?
Is that you Jennifer?	Are you Jennifer?
Is that Louise? / Is that Louise speaking? Yes, speaking. / Yes, it’s me.	Is this Louise? / Is that Louise on the phone? Yes I. / Yes it's me.
Sorry, I didn't recognize your voice.	Sorry, I didn't recognize your voice.
I’ve just been speaking to someone from your department about x, but I didn’t catch their name / I forgot to ask their name.	I was just talking to someone from your department about x, but I didn't catch his name / I forgot to ask his name.
I was speaking to a man / woman yesterday afternoon.	I spoke to a man/woman yesterday afternoon.
I was speaking to someone called James in the x department, but I don’t have his last name or phone number, do you have any idea who it might be?	I spoke to someone named James in department x, but I don't know his last name or phone number, do you know who he might be?
What did you say your name was?	What did you say, what is your name?
Your name was?	Your name is?

Phrases for solving problems during a telephone conversation

Phrase in English	Translation
Michelle: Hello, you"ve reached the marketing department. How can I help?	Michelle: Hello! You called the marketing department. How can I help?
Male: Yes can I speak to Rosalind Wilson, please?	Man: Can I speak to Rosalyn Wilson?
Michelle: Who's calling please?	Michelle: Please identify yourself.
Male: It's Richard Davies here	Man: This is Richard Davis.
Michelle: Certainly. Please hold and I’ll put you through.	Michelle: Please stay on the line, I will connect you.
Male: Thank you.	Man: Thank you.
Michelle: Hello marketing. How can I help?	Michelle: Hello, this is the marketing department. How can I help?
Male: Could I speak to Jason Roberts please?	Man: Can I speak to Jason Robert please?
Michelle: Certainly. Who shall I say is calling?	Michelle: Certainly. How can I introduce you?
Male: My name's Mike Andrews.	Man: My name is Mike 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.	Michelle: Just a second. I'll check to see if he's there. Hello Jason, Mike Andrews on the line...Okay. I'll connect you. Wait a minute, I'm connecting you.

Examples of videos of telephone conversations

In this video you can see and hear how to answer phone calls in English correctly.

Always remember business phone etiquette. Never break his rules. In the next article we will talk about how to leave and receive messages from your interlocutor when speaking in English.

Let's summarize:

• Before you call, you need to outline a clear conversation plan and cope with physical and psychological stress.
• During a conversation, you need to follow the rules of telephone etiquette.
• To have a successful conversation in English, you need to learn the most common phrases and prepare the questions you want to ask. Don't forget to rehearse your upcoming phone conversation.
• After the telephone conversation, be sure to analyze your mistakes so as not to repeat them again.

In contact with

Greetings my dears.

If you remember that there are many in business English, then learning them in dialogues will be much easier. Therefore, today I have prepared business dialogues for you in English, where you can use familiar - or not so familiar - expressions as much as possible. All of them will be given with translation into Russian. By the way, you can read and listen to them at the same time - which will allow you to compare and analyze what you hear.

• Dialogue 1 - Discussion of contract terms

A: And now I’d like to discuss with you the year results of our new contract with the “TechArt Group”.

B: So the contract was signed 10 months ago and in the beginning the outcome was under a big question. We provided them with high quality raw materials for their production chain but one supply was with a large percentage of waste.

A: So how did you solve the problem?

B: We changed the delivery and suggested them a discount on the following dispatch. Now our total turnover is over 2 billion dollars. It is 5% higher than what we expected.

A: That is a good outcome. Are they going to sign a contract for the next year deliveries?

B: Yes, they certainly will. They are happy with our delivery terms and payments. And what is more, we are discussing their new project now.

A: It is great. Keep working this way.

Translation:

A: And now I would like to discuss with you the results of the year under our new contract with TechArt Group.

B: So, the contract was signed 10 months ago and at the beginning the income was questionable. We have provided them with high quality raw materials for their production chain, but one of the deliveries had a high percentage of expenses.

A: So how did you solve this problem?

B: We changed the shipment and offered them a discount on the next shipment. Now our total turnover is more than 2 billion dollars. This is 5% higher than we expected.

A: This is a good result. Are they going to sign a supply contract for next year?

B: Yes, of course. They are satisfied with our delivery and payment terms. Moreover, we are now discussing their new project.

A: That's great. Keep up the good work.

• Dialogue 2 - Discussion of budget and finances

-So we gathered here to discuss budget planning for the next year expenditures. What I want to underline is that basing on the latest research we are going to face some financial difficulties. So we need to prepare and cut the budget.

-First of all I would like to say that no redundancy will take place. We are staffed better than ever before. All our employees correspond to the required level and do their job well. Besides, we cannot cut down production financing. As even a small decrease in the quality of raw materials largely results in the goods quality.

-So what is going to be cut down is the marketing budget. I appreciate what the marketing department does for the company. What is more, I realize that this is going to create huge difficulties for the marketers. But we all understand what will happen if we don’t do this way.

Translation:

So, we are gathered here to discuss planning your spending budget for the next year. The point I want to make is that based on the latest research, we will be facing some financial challenges. So we have to prepare and cut the budget.

— First of all, I would like to say that there will be no excess. We are better staffed than ever before. All our employees meet the required level and do their job well. In addition, we cannot cut production funding. Since even a slight decrease in the quality of raw materials significantly affects the quality of goods.

— The only thing that can be cut is the marketing budget. I appreciate what the marketing department does for the company. Moreover, I understand that this will create enormous difficulties for marketers. But we all understand what will happen if we don't do this.

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• Dialogue 3 - Talking on the phone about a meeting

–Hello. May I talk to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), please?

-Good morning. Mister Browson is busy at the moment. He is holding a meeting. Do you mind leaving the message for him, please?

–No, I don"t. It is Mr. Sparrow calling. We arranged to meet for discussion of our new contract. So I"m calling to confirm.

–Oh, yes, Mr. Sparrow. I was looking forward to your call. Mr. Browson asked me to confirm that he would meet you at the Brew at 2 p.m.

-It is very good. Thank you for information. Looking forward to meeting him.

Translation:

Hello. Can I speak to the CEO please?

Good morning. Mr. Browser is busy at the moment. He is holding a meeting. Would you mind leaving him a message please?

Of course not. This is Mr Sparrow. We agreed to meet to discuss a new contract. So I'm calling to confirm this.

Oh yes, Mr Sparrow. I was waiting for your call. Mr. Browser asked me to confirm that you are meeting at the Brew Cafe at 2 p.m.

Very good. Thanks for the info. I'm looking forward to meeting him.

• Dialogue 4 - Discussion of delivery and costs

–The recent research of average customer consumption revealed that we are going to face the upcoming problems.

-Our turnover decreased by 15% while the profit is 7.5% lower than last season. So we need to change the way we are working now. And the sphere we need to pay lots of attention to is logistics and delivery.

-The goods departure needs to become cheaper. Transportation and storage costs need to be cut down. That is the main and the most obvious thing to do.

-As we can’t influence custom duties we need to think over what else we can do to reduce our logistics expenditures.

Translation:

“A recent study of average customer spending showed that we face challenges ahead.

— Our turnover decreased by 15%, and profit was 7.5% lower than last season. Therefore, we must change the tactics we are currently using. And the area we should pay special attention to is logistics and delivery.

— Shipping goods should become cheaper. Transport and storage costs must be reduced. These are the main and most obvious things that need to be done.

— Since we cannot influence customs duties, we must think about what else we can do to reduce logistics costs.

• Dialogue 5 - Discussion of future cooperation

–Hello, Mr. Collins.

-Good morning, Mr. Evans.

-So we’ve met to discuss our mutual future development.

-Yes. Our businesses can produce much more together rather than by themselves. You specialize in marketing and we specialize in producing high-quality goods. That is going to give an amazing synergy.

-I hope it will. Have you seen the contract yet?

-Yes. My lawyers looked through and I am ready to sign and start working.

-That's great. So I suggest celebrating such a move in our development. In our company we have a tradition to meet outside the office on a yearly basis. So why don’t we commit this year gathering to our agreement?

-That is a very good idea.

Translation:

— Hello, Mr. Collins.

— Good morning, Mr. Evans.

- So, we met to discuss our future joint developments.

— Yes, our business developments can provide much more together than on their own. Do you specialize in the field of marketing, and we specialize in production high quality goods. This will give amazing interaction.

- I I hope so will. Have you seen the contract yet?

- Yes. My lawyers have reviewed it and I'm ready to sign it and start working.

- Amazing. Therefore, I propose to celebrate this step in our development. Our company has a tradition of meeting outside the office every year. So why don't we coincide this meeting with our agreement?

- This is a very good idea.

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Well, my dears, you have consolidated all the learned phrases and expressions from business English on the topics of sales, contracts and deliveries. Of course, this is not all that exists in the English language. Therefore, study, study and study again. And to make this easier, subscribe to my blog’s newsletter and receive the most useful and latest news.

Many people have to work telephone conversations in English. For some business conversation on the phone in English- a simple matter, but still for many talking on the phone in English- this is stressful, especially until it becomes a habit and becomes a routine activity.

Today we’ll talk about how to properly structure a dialogue on the phone, pay attention to special vocabulary, and arm ourselves with useful phrases for talking on the phone in English.

Let's start, perhaps, with the vocabulary that you need to know in order to feel more confident during a conversation.

Vocabulary for telephone conversations.

Types of phone calls:

	Call at the subscriber's expense
	Local call
A long-distance call / a trunk call	Long distance call
	Personal call
	Urgent call

Useful nouns:

Useful verbs and expressions

Answer a call / Pick up	Answer the call
	Request a call
Call/phone/ring up	Call
Connect/put through	Call
Cut off/disconnect	Disconnect
Get someone over the phone	Catch someone on the phone
	Hang up
Hold on / hold the line	Wait by the phone
	Leave a message
	To make a call
	Find out/settle
Speak over the phone	Talking on the phone
Call back/phone back	call back

Let's move on to talking on the phone in English.

We answer the call.

When answering a call in English, you need to tell the subscriber where he has reached and say hello. Example phrases:

• XCompany,goodmorning.– Company X, good morning.
• Green's office, can I help you?- Mr. Green's office, how can I help?
• Sales Department speaking.– Sales department is in touch.
• John Green speaking. / This is John Smith. – John Green is on the phone.
• JohnGreenhere.– John Green is on the phone. (informal version)

If you are calling someone, you should greet them by introducing yourself and clarifying the purpose of your call. You can do this as follows.

• Good morning, Greg Smith speaking. I"d like to speak to Mr. Brown, please. — Good morning, Greg Smith speaking. I'd like to talk to Mr. Brown.
• CouldyouputmethroughtoMr.Brownplease? — Could you put me through to Mr. Brown, please?
• I'dliketospeaktoMr.Brownaboutdeliveries,please. – I would like to talk to Mr. Brown about supplies, please.
• I am (just) calling to inform you…— I’m (just) calling to let you know...

Let's imagine this situation: you pick up the phone, but the person the caller needs is temporarily absent. In this case, you can use the following phrases:

• Green has stepped away from his desk for a moment. I expect him back very shortly.- Mr. Smith just came out for a minute. He'll be back soon.
• He is not in at the moment.- He’s not there at the moment.
• He is not in just now.- He’s not there at the moment.
• He is out of the office at the moment. — He left the office at the moment.
• He has left for the day.“He left town for a day.
• I"m afraid he is out / away / off at the moment. Can I take a message?“I’m afraid he’s not here at the moment.” What shall I tell to him?
• May I take a message?- Can I take a message?
• Would you like to leave a message?— Would you like to leave information for him?
• MayIhavehimcallyou?– Should I tell him to call you back?
• I'lltellhimyoucalled.- I'll tell him that you called.
• I'll have him to phone you.- I'll tell him to call you back.
• I'll give him your message as soon as he gets back.– I will give him your message as soon as he returns back.
• I'll ask him to give you a call.– I’ll ask him to call you back.

If during the conversation you did not understand something, do not hesitate to ask again. You can do this using the following phrases.

• I'm sorry. Ididn'ttgetthename(number).— Sorry, I didn’t hear the name (phone number).
• Wouldyourepeatthatnumber,please?– Could you repeat the phone number?
• Wouldyouspellthatforme,please?– Could you spell it?
• Did you say...?- You said...?
• Let me repeat to make sure I understand what you said. – Let me repeat to make sure that I understood you correctly.
• I want to be sure that I have this right.– I want to make sure that I understand you correctly.
• I"dliketobesurethatIunderstand.– I would like to make sure that I understand you.
• That’s ... (repeat number or spelling the name), isn’t it? – This is... (repetition of number or surname), isn’t it?

If during a conversation you need to be distracted for a while, use the following phrases:

• Hold on just a moment, please.- Wait by the phone for a minute.
• Ihaveanothercall;willyouholdon,please?— They’re calling me on another phone, could you wait a minute?
• Holdon;I'llbewithyouinamoment.– Wait by the phone, please, I’ll be back on the phone soon.
• Please hold on while I get that information. Thank you for waiting. – Please wait while I receive the information. Thanks for waiting.

If you need to make an appointment by phone, you can say the following.

• I"m phoning to arrange a meeting.— I'm calling to arrange a meeting.
• I'd like to see Mr. Jones. IshefreeonMonday? — I would like to meet Mr. Jones. Is he free on Monday?
• How about 2 o'clock?– How about 2 hours?
• Is he coming there soon?– Will he be back soon?
• Are you meeting the clients tomorrow? – Are you meeting with clients tomorrow?
• CouldyoumanageMonday?– Will you be able to do it on Monday?
• What about Tuesday?- How about Tuesday?
• Shall we say two o'clock?– Say, at 2 o’clock in the afternoon?
• I’m sorry, I"m out all day.- Sorry, I won't be there all day.
• Tuesday would be fine.— Tuesday suits me

How to end a phone conversation in English? It's simple!

• Thank you for calling, Mr. Green. I’m glad I was able to help.— Thank you for the call, Mr. Green. I was glad to help you.
• You"rewelcome,sir.Goodbye.- Please, sir. Goodbye.
• I look forward to seeing you.- Looking forward to our meeting.

Telephone conversation in English. Examples of dialogues.

Dialogue on the phone 1.

Receptionist 1: Cassat Company. Can I help you?

Patrick: Yes, I would like to speak to Mr. Green please.

Receptionist 1: Do you have an extension for him?

Patrick: No, I don't, but I know he is in the delivery department.

Receptionist 1: Hold on, please. I"ll ring that department.

Patrick: Thank you.

Receptionist 2: Delivery department, Miss Elliot.

Patrick: Mr. Green, please.

Receptionist 2: Mr. Green is on the other line at the moment. May I tell him who's calling?

Patrick: This is Patrick Brown. Mrs. Priesley suggested that I call him.

Receptionist 2: Will you hold on or would you like to leave a message?

Patrick: I"ll hold on, thank you.

Mr. Green: Mr. Green speaking; can I help you?

Patrick: Yes, my name is Patrick Brown. A mutual friend of ours, Susan Priesley, referred me to you. I am interested in changing careers, and she thought you would be a valuable source of information for me.

Mr. Green: Mrs. Priesley, of course. How can I help you?

Patrick: I would like very much to come up and speak with you. Would you be willing to give me a few minutes of your time?

Mr. Green: Well, my schedule is a little tight. When were you thinking of meeting?

Patrick: Whenever it is convenient for you.

Mr. Green: Well, can you make it after five o’clock some day next week?

Patrick: Yes, I can.

Mr. Green: Fine, then how is 5:15, Wednesday, at my office?

Patrick: Next Wednesday at 5:15 is fine. Thank you very much, Mr. Green.

Mr. Green: You're welcome. Hold on — my secretary will give you directions.

Patrick: Thank you. See you Wednesday.

Dialogue on the phone 2.

Switchboard: Company X. Can I help you?

Phillip: Could I speak to Mr. Brown, please?

Secretary: Just a moment, please. . . . I"m afraid his line"s engaged.

Phillip: I"ll hold, (music)

Switchboard: Sorry to keep you waiting, (music)

Secretary: Mr. Brown's office.

Phillip: Can I speak to Mr. Brown, please? This is Phillip Morris from Haxter Computers.

Secretary: I"m afraid he"s in a meeting. Can I take a message?

Phillip: Yes. Could you ask him to call me back. My name is Phil Morris - M-O-R-R-I-S. My number is 308 2017 and my extension is 462.

Secretary: Phil Morris. 308-2170 extension 462

Phillip: No, 2017, not 2170. .

Secretary: Sorry, 308-2017 extension 462.

Phillip: That's right. I'll be in all the day.

Secretary: Right, thank you, Mr. Morris. Goodbye. Goodbye.

I hope these phrases for talking on the phone in English, as well as examples of dialogue, helped you. Good luck with international telephone conversations!

Successful small talk is not about saying brilliant things. It’s about commenting on and asking about ordinary
things with conviction, interest, and enthusiasm.

Match the mood of your conversation partner. If they are smiling and cheerful, be ready to laugh. If they
seem serious, be serious too.

Ask where your partner comes from and, when somebody asks you the same thing, be ready to add
something interesting about the place.

Ask what your partner does and, when you’re asked the same question, don’t only give a title. Add a small
piece of interesting or amusing information about the job or responsibility.

Starting a conversation

eng-biz1

A: That was really interesting what the last speaker said about opening bank accounts in the
Cayman Islands.
B: Yes, it was. So, what do you do exactly?
A: I’m an auditor, a forensic auditor.
B: Ah, urn, you’re a forensic, urn, auditor?
A: Yes, that’s right.
B: Right, oh. I see. Look at the time! I must get to the next presentation…

eng-biz2

C: Mmm, lovely coffee! I needed that. I just flew in from London very early this morning.
How did you get here?
D: I came on the TGV train from Paris.
C: Really? I've never been on the TGV. How long did that take?
D: Oh, about four hours. But I was able to have breakfast and do some reading.
C: That sounds nice. I must try it sometime. Marseilles’s really beautiful, isn’t it?
D: Yes, it is. Have you been here before? If you haven’t, you must...

eng-biz3

E: I’m certainly looking forward to the dinner this evening.
F: I am too. Especially the fish. We don't have much fish where I live.
E: Really? Where do you come from then?
F: Garmisch-Partenkirchen. It’s in the mountains just near Munich. What about you?
E: I'm from Cork in Ireland. The high street is supposed to have more pubs than any other town in Ireland.
F: Really? I’m going there on a business trip soon to visit the Apple factory. I must see if I can find time to visit some…

eng-biz4

G: …and then I went jogging early this morning along by the sea. Fantastic sunrise coming up over the sea.
H: Really? Sunrise, you say?
G: Yes, amazing! Do you like jogging? You should try it, you know. It makes you feel really great all day
long. Just set the alarm for 5.30, jump out of bed and after you’ve been running for about an hour or so, go back, have a shower and -
H: Sorry, but do you know where I can smoke? I think I want a cigarette before the next presentation. Ah, that way Thanks.

eng-biz5

1 What do you do?
2 Where are you from?
3 How did you get here?
4 Have you been here before?
5 Paris is great, isn’t it?

eng-biz6

Get speaking: Listen and Speak

You speak the part of the man.

eng-biz7

RECEPTIONIST	Good morning. Can I help you?
MAN	Good morning. My name is Wilson, David Wilson, EMC Electronics.
RECEPTIONIST	Yes, Mr Wilson?
MAN	I have an appointment with the production manager.
RECEPTIONIST	Mrs Smith? That's her, over there. I think she's coming over.
MAN	Oh yes, I see her. Thank you. ……
WOMAN	Hello! Are you looking for me?
MAN	Yes. Mrs Smith? I'm David Wilson from EMC Electronics.
WOMAN	How do you do, Mr Wilson. Susan Smith.
MAN	How do you do.
WOMAN	Let's go to my office, shall we? Did you bring the report with you?

Complete the sentences with words from the box.

looking from long been do means get lovely come isn’t

1 Have y o u ……………………here before?
2 Mmm,…………………. coffee! I needed that.
3 How did y o u …………………. here?
4 H ow ……………………did that take?
5 I’m a forensic auditor, w h ich that I help banks make sure
none of their staff are doing anything illegal.
6 I’m certainly…………………. forward to dinner.
7 I’m Athens……. It's a great place to live.
8 Marseilles’s really beautiful,…………………… it?
9 So, what do y o u ……………………exactly?
10 Where do y o u ……………………from then?

Common business expressions (Business Meetings)