Telephoning: Conference calls

Erica Gingerich: Because you’re learning business English, I imagine that you probably work for an international company. And if you do, the chances are good that you at least occasionally take part in conference calls in English. I do, and I know how hard it can be. You can’t see the other person, the line is not always very good or the room is noisy, and sometimes it’s difficult to understand other people’s accents or way of speaking! Luckily Ken Taylor is here with tips and an exercise that will make your conference calls easier to manage. Over to you, Ken.

Ken: In international conference calls the other speakers often have different styles of English.  Let’s practise some useful phrases for such a conference call. These are expressions that will help you to understand what is being said, and also to help the other speakers to know what is going on because you can’t see each other.
You’ll hear a short description of a situation. At the tone, respond with a phrase that fits that situation. You’ll then hear a model answer. OK? Let’s start.

Ken: You want someone to speak more slowly.

• Could you speak more slowly please?

Ken: You didn’t get what someone said.

• I’m afraid I didn’t get that.

Ken: You want someone to explain in another way.

• Could you explain that in another way for me, please?

Ken: You would like someone to repeat what was said.

• Could you repeat that, please?

Ken: You want to suggest a five-minute break.

• Can I suggest we take a five-minute break here?

Ken: Identify yourself, and say you need to leave for ten minutes.

• Neil speaking. I need to leave for ten minutes.

Ken: Identify yourself, and say you are now back on line.

• Susan here. I’m back on line again.

Ken: Practise these phrases until you know them and can use them automatically during conference calls. It will help you to be more confident and more successful on the phone. Good luck!

Erica: Erica here. I’m back on line again. But now it’s time for me to say goodbye. If you’d like more telephoning tips, visit our website at www.business-spotlight.de. We hope you’ve enjoyed our podcast. Join us again next Tuesday.