Learn how to take and leave phone messages in this podcast.

Slow dialog:  0:57
Explanations:  3:42
Fast dialog:  21:10

I was looking forward to a quiet evening at home.  As soon as I walked in the door, though, the phone rang.  

Paolo:  Hello.

Evelyn:  Hi, could I speak to Tony?

Paolo:  He’s not here right now.  Can I take a message?

Evelyn:  Do you know when he’ll be back?  

Paolo:  No, I don’t.

Evelyn:  Okay.  I’ll call back later.  Thanks. 
……
Ten minutes later, the phone rang again.

Paolo:  Hello.

Pam:  Hi, is Tony there?

Paolo:  No, he’s out.

Pam:  Could I leave a message?

Paolo:  Sure.  Give me a second to get something to write with…Okay, I’m ready.

Pam:  Could you tell him that Pam called and ask him to call me back as soon as he can.

Paolo:  Does he have your number?

Pam:  He should, but I’d better give it to you.  It’s 279-555-6347.

Paolo:  Okay, I’ll tell him.

Pam:  Thanks.
…..

As soon as I put down the receiver, the phone rang again.  I couldn’t believe it.

Paolo:  Hello.

Susan:  Hi, is this Tony?

Paolo:  No, I’m his roommate, Paolo.  Tony’s not here right now.

Susan:  I need to get a hold of him.  Do you have his cell number?

Paolo:  Uh, yeah, I do, but I’m not sure he wants me to give it out.

Susan:  Oh, I’m sure he’d want me to have it.  

Paolo:  I tell you what.  Why don’t I take your number and have him call you back?

Susan:  I really need to get a hold of him right away.

Paolo:  I’ll give him your message as soon as he gets home.

Susan:  Fine.  This is Susan and my number is 742-555-3655.  Please make sure he gets it.  It’s important.  Bye.

Paolo:  Bye.

As soon as she hung up, I took the phone off the hook for the rest of the night.  I’d had enough of being Tony’s answering service for one night!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

190 - Taking a Phone Message

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