Offering Help to a Caller

In this Unit, we will look at situations when the person you want to speak to is not available. What can you say when you want to leave a message? Or, if you answer the phone, and the caller wants to speak to someone who is not available, what can you say to offer help to the caller?

Here are some common and useful expressions:

Offering to Take a Message from a Caller

He's not in right now; can I take a message?

Mr. Brown is not available.  Can I take a message?

Mrs. Sato is off today.  Could I take a message?

Mr. Lee is busy right now.  Would you like to leave a message?

Mr. Kim is on holiday.  Could I have someone call you?

 

Offering to Help a Caller

Would you like to talk to someone else?

Could I help you?

Is there anyone else who could help you?

Would you care to talk to his secretary?

Would you like me to put you through to his secretary?

 

Caller - Leaving a Message

Please tell him to call me at 438-389-3388.

Please ask him to give me a call at 416-908-3839.

Please ask him to call me back.  He has my number.

 

Caller - Not Leaving a Message

I'll call back later.

I'll try him again later.

I'll call him again tomorrow.

I'll give him a call next week. 

Examples:

Dialog 1

Receptionist:   Good morning, IGS Corporation.  May I help you?

Mr. Robertson: Yes, Tim Robertson from Global Inc. here.  May I speak to Ms. Johnson, please?

Receptionist:   Ms. Johnson is not in right now; can I take a message?

Mr. Robertson: Yes, please tell her to call me back this afternoon.  My number is 459-983-3983.

Receptionist:   OK.  I'll tell her as soon as she gets in.

Mr. Robertson: Thank you.

Receptionist:   You're welcome.

Dialog 2

Receptionist:   Good morning, IGS Corporation.  May I help you?

Mr. Robertson: Yes, may I speak to Mr. Brown, please?

Receptionist:   Mr. Brown is on holiday right now.  Would you care to talk to his secretary?

Mr. Robertson: Uh...When will he be back?

Receptionist:   Next Monday.

Mr. Robertson: Well, in that case I'll give him a call again next Monday.  Thanks.

Receptionist:   You're welcome.