Business English - Taking a Message

Business English - Taking a Message Read  the following dialogue between a caller and a receptionist  as they discuss a delayed shipment. Practice the dialogue with a friend so you can feel more confident the next time you leave a message. Theres a comprehension and vocabulary review quiz following the dialogue.   Taking a Message Receptionist: Janson Wine Importers. Good Morning. How can I help you?Caller: Could I speak to Mr Adams, please? Receptionist: Whos calling please?Caller: This is Anna Beare. Receptionist: Sorry, I didnt catch your name.Caller: Anna Beare. Thats B E A R E Receptionist: Thank you. And where are you calling from?Caller: Sun Soaked Vineyards Receptionist: OK Ms Beare. Ill try and put you through. †¦ Im sorry but the lines busy. Would you like to hold?Caller: Oh, thats a shame. This concerns an upcoming shipment and its rather urgent. Receptionist:  He should be free in half an hour. Would you like to call back?Caller: Im afraid Ill be in a meeting.  Could I leave a message? Receptionist: Certainly.Caller: Could you tell Mr Adams that our shipment will be postponed and that the 200 cases ordered should arrive next Monday. Receptionist: Shipment delayed †¦ arriving next Monday.Caller: Yes, and could you ask him to call me back when the shipment arrives? Receptionist: Certainly. Could you give me your number please?Caller: Yes, its 503-589-9087 Receptionist: Thats 503-589-9087Caller: Yes, thats right. Thanks for your help. Goodbye Receptionist: Goodbye. Key Vocabulary to catch a persons name (verb phrase) be able to understand a persons nameto be busy / to be engaged (verb phrase) have other work to do and not able to respond to a telephone callto hold the line (verb phrase) wait on the telephone  to leave a message (verb phrase) have someone take note of a message for someone elseto be free (verb phrase) have time available to do somethingurgent (adjective) very important needing attention immediatelyshipment (noun) delivery of merchandiseto postpone (verb) put off something to a later date or timeto be delayed (verb phrase) not be able to happen on time, be postponedto call someone back (verb phase) return someones telephone call Taking a Message Comprehension Quiz Check your understanding with this multiple choice comprehension quiz. Check your answers below, as well as practice key expressions from this dialogue.   1. Who would the caller like to speak to?   The receptionist  Anna Beare  Mr Adams 2. Which company does the caller represent?   Jason Wine Importers  Sun Soaked Vineyards  Beare consulting 3. Is the caller able to complete her task?   Yes, she speaks with Mr Adams.  No, she hangs up.  No, but she leaves a message. 4. Which information does the caller wish to leave?   That they havent received their shipment yet.  That there is a short delay in the shipment.  That the wine was of poor quality. 5. What other information does the receptionist ask for?   The time of day  The callers telephone number  They type of wine shipped Answers Mr AdamsSun Soaked VineyardsNo, but she leaves a message.That there is a short delay in the shipmentThe callers telephone number Vocabulary Check Quiz Good morning. How can I ______ you?Could I ________ to Ms Devon, please?Whos ____________, please?________ is Kevin Trundel.Im sorry, I didnt ____________ your name.Im sorry. Shes ___________. Can I take a ____________?Could you ask her to call me _________?Could I have your ___________, please? Answers helpspeakcallingThiscatchbacknumber