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This week, talking on the phone in English can be hard, but there are some standard phrases which you  can use
Some of us are afraid to make and receive phone calls in English. As we are unable to look at the speaker's facial expressions and determine meanings, we feel less in control of the situation and our level of confidence drops by at least 50 per cent.
There are ways to overcome the fear.
First of all, the language used in making and receiving phone calls is quite limited, such as asking for and giving information, taking and leaving messages and  so on.
Similar functions occur repeatedly. With a little bit of practice, we will be able to communicate on the phone with both native and non-native speakers in English.
Secondly, there are ways to make ourselves feel more in control.
We can ask the callers to speak slowly, to repeat information or even to call back if we really are not ready.
Preparing to make a phone call
You need to call your NET about the arrangements of a school activity. It definitely helps if you can predict what the teacher may say or ask. You can list what you do or do not know under the six question words (what, when, where, who, why and how). Also, you have to make sure you have a calendar, a pen and some paper.
Nowadays, we are so used to the caller-ID function that we do not always introduce ourselves when we call. But being able to give a proper introduction helps calm our nerves: 'Hi! This is Amy Wong from 5A. May I speak to Mr Williams, please?' Or, if Mr Williams picks up the phone himself, you say: 'Hi! Mr Williams, this is Amy Wong from 5A.  I would like to talk to you about the arrangements for English Week. Have you got a moment?'
Asking for repetitions
Foreigners have difficulty spelling some similar-sounding Chinese names. We also have difficulty spelling English surnames that are similar,  so don't be afraid to ask for repetitions.
'I beg your pardon' is a formal way to ask speakers to repeat what they have just said.
We can also say: 'I'm sorry, I didn't catch that. Could you repeat the name of the street, please?'
We can ask the caller to spell the word if we are still  not sure: 'Could you spell your family name, please?'



On the phone  in English