Two-minute English: Making appointments over the phone

Hi there, and welcome to Wall Street’s “Two-Minute English”.

Have you ever made an appointment or booking over the phone in English? Was it easy or difficult? What kind of language did you use? Today, we’re going to look at how to make appointments over the phone in both formal and informal English.

Generally, you should always use formal language on the phone when speaking to someone you don’t know or don’t know too well. The only time I would use informal language is when you’re talking to friends, family or people you know very well. Always speak slowly and clearly, and if you don’t understand something, ask the person to repeat it again.

Let’s start with informal language. I am asking a friend if he wants to go watch the new Star Wars movie with me:

“Hey Glenn, how are you doing? Do you have any plans on Tuesday?”

“I am free on Tuesday. What’s up?”

“I was thinking of watching the new Star Wars. Have you seen it yet?”

“No man, but I really want to.”

“Great. Would the 7:30pm show at Mong Kok cinema work for you?”

“Awesome. See you Tuesday at 7:30pm.”

This time, I will use formal language to book a table at a restaurant:

“Good evening, ABC steakhouse. How can I help you?”

“Hello. I would like to book a table for 4 on Friday the 22^nd.”

“Please hold on, Sir. Let me just check the bookings. Okay, table for 4 on Friday the 22^nd. Is that the 22^nd of this month?”

“Yes, that is correct. 22^nd of January.”

“No problem, Sir. Is this for a special occasion?”

“Yes. It’s actually for my mother’s birthday. She’s turning 65.”

“Okay, we will note that down. May I have your name and telephone number please?”

“Certainly. My name is Ben and my telephone number is 9000-0000.”

“Great. We’ll see you on 22^nd January then, Sir.”

“Thank you very much. See you then.”

So, even if you were booking an Encounter, feel free to use formal language as well.

Well, that’s all for this week’s “Two-Minute English”. Bye-bye.