4 Simple Steps To Handling Wrong Numbers And Feeling Good About It

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IF YOU DIAL THE WRONG NUMBER

STEP 1 – APOLOGIZE.
It is rude to hang up without saying anything. It does not matter that you remain anonymous on the phone and that in all probability you’ll never meet the person on the other end. The rule of thumb is to treat others as you would like to be treated yourself. Remember, what goes around comes around! Offer a simple apology to the person whose number you got by mistake. “Sorry, I got the wrong number.”

STEP 2 – CHECK THE NUMBER
It is always prudent to check whether you’ve reached the number you intended to dial. “I was dialing 555.321... Is this the right number?” This keeps you from reaching the wrong party a second time.

STEP 3 – THANK THE RECIPIENT
A courtesy goes a long way. Simply say: “Thank you for your help.”

STEP 4 – SAY GOOD-BYE
Depending on the time of day, I like to say: “Have a good day” or “Have a good night.” Notice how you feel when you treat others with respect. YOU will feel so much better and you will attract good things to YOU.


IF OTHERS DIAL YOUR NUMBER BY MISTAKE

STEP 1 – EXPLAIN that they’ve reached the wrong number.
“You’ve got the wrong number.”

STEP 2 – CHECK whether they’ve reached the number they intended to dial. “What number are you dialing?” This will keep them from calling you a second time. If they intended to dial your number, but are asking for the wrong person, you can say: "That's my number, but there's no one here by that name." If the caller intended to call a business and got your home number, you can say: "This is a private residence."

STEP 3 – ACCEPT the apologies.
Say: "No problem."

STEP 4 – SAY GOOD-BYE
Say kindly and with a smile: “Have a good day” or “Have a good night.” depending on the time of day.

© 2008 Natasha Cooper

Would you like to use this article? You may as long as you include the following information along with the article: Natasha Cooper, author of Power English System, helps international professionals and newcomers to America to succeed in the U.S. by learning American English and powerful communication skills. If you want tips on improving your English, then you’ll want to get Natasha’s F-R-E-E weekly Power English Minute E-zine by visiting www.englishskills.com.

American English For Telephoning: Answering the Phone

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My phone is ringing. I pick it up and I hear:
“May I talk to Natasha Cooper?”
How do I say that it’s I?
"This is Natasha Cooper."
Or, most often, in the third person.
“This is she.” Or: “Speaking.”
And if the call is for someone else in the family?
“Just a moment.”
Wondering who’s calling?
“May I ask who’s calling?’
And what if the family member they are trying
to reach is out? Then I say:
“He (she) is not in right now.”
And ask if I can help.
“Is there something I can help you with?”
If not, I offer to take a message.
“Would you like to leave a message?”
When names are hard to understand, I ask
the caller to spell.
“Could you spell that for me?”
Didn’t catch something? No problem, I just ask to repeat.
“Could you repeat that, please?”
And I always make sure that I got it right.
“Let me read this back to you.”
Especially phone numbers.
“Let me double-check your phone number.”
Then I promise to pass on the message.
“I’ll give him (her) the message.”
Or:
“I’ll ask him (her) to call you.”
If the matter is urgent, I try to help out.
“You can call him (her) at work.”
And if the work number is not available, I offer their cell phone number.
“Would you like his (her) cell phone number?”
I bet I’d make a good receptionist.

© 2008 Natasha Cooper

Would you like to use this article? You may as long as you include the following information along with the article: Natasha Cooper, author of Power English System, helps international professionals and newcomers to America to succeed in the U.S. by learning American English and powerful communication skills. If you want tips on improving your English, then you’ll want to get Natasha’s F-R-E-E weekly Power English Minute E-zine by visiting www.englishskills.com.