English Vocabulary

uld use in a formal "face-to-face" situation. Take the time to learn how to answer the phone and say goodbye in a polite manner, as well as all the various ways one can start and end a conversation casually.
Practise dates and numbersIt only takes a short time to memorize English Phonetic Spelling, but it is something that you will be able to use in any country. You should also practise saying dates and numbers aloud. You and a friend can write out a list of dates and numbers and take turns reading them over the phone to each other. Record what you hear. Swap papers the next day and check your answers. Click here to learn more about numbers. 
How to answer and speak on the phone
Answering the phone 
Good morning/afternoon/evening, York Enterprises, Elizabeth Jones speaking. 
Who's calling, please? 
Introducing yourself
This is Paul Smith speaking. 
Hello, this is Paul Smith from Speakspeak International. 
Asking for someone
Could I speak to John Martin, please? 
I'd like to speak to John Martin, please. 
Could you put me through to John Martin, please? 
Could I speak to someone who … 
Explaining
I'm afraid Mr Martin isn't in at the moment. 
I'm sorry, he's in a meeting at the moment. 
I'm afraid he's on another line at the moment. 
Putting someone on hold
Just a moment, please. 
Could you hold the line, please? 
Hold the line, please.
Problems
I'm sorry, I don't understand. Could you repeat that, please? 
I'm sorry, I can't hear you very well. Could you speak up a little, please? 
I'm afraid you've got the wrong number. 
I've tried to get through several times but it's always engaged. 
Could you spell that, please? 
Putting someone through
One moment, please. I'll see if Mr Jones is available. 
I'll put you through. 
I'll connect you. 
I'm connecting you now. 
Taking a message 
Can I take a message? 
Would you like to leave a message? 
Can I give him/her a message? 
I'll tell Mr Jones that you called 
I'll ask him/her to call you as soon as possible. 
Small Talk
In most English-speaking countries, it is normal and necessary to make "small talk" in certain situations. Small talk is a casual form of conversation that "breaks the ice" or fills an awkward silence between people. Even though you may feel shy using your second language, it is sometimes considered rude to say nothing. Just as there are certain times when small talk is appropriate, there are also certain topics that people often discuss during these moments.
Read through the Who, What, Where, When, Why? page to gain a better understanding of small talk. The hardest part about making small talk is knowing how to start a conversation. Review the conversation starters and practise them with a friend. Finally, take the time to see how much you have learned about small talk by taking the Small Talk Quiz. And remember, in an English-speaking environment it is often better to make a few mistakes than to say nothing at all!
Small Talk: Who, What, Where, When, Why?
WHO makes small talk? People with many different relationships use small talk. The most common type of people to use small talk are those who do not know each other at all. Though we often teach children not to talk to strangers, adults are expected to say at least a few words in certain situations (see where). It is also common for people who are only acquaintances, often called a "friend of a friend", to use small talk. Other people who have short casual conversations are office employees who may not be good friends but work in the same department. Customer service representatives, waitresses, hairdressers and receptionists often make small talk with customers. If you happen to be outside when the mailman comes to your door you might make small talk with him too.
WHAT do people make small talk about? There are certain "safe" topics that people usually make small talk about. The weather is probably the number one thing that people who do not know each other well discuss. Sometimes even friends and family members discuss the weather when they meet or start a conversation. Another topic that is generally safe is current events. As long as you are not discussing a controversial issue, such as a recent law concerning equal rights, it is usually safe to discuss the news. Sports news is a very common topic, especially if a local team or player is in a tournament or play-off or doing extremely well or badly. Entertainment news, such as a celebrity who is in town, is another good topic. If there is something that you and the other speaker has in common, that may also be acceptable to talk about. For example, if the bus is extremely full and there are no seats available you might talk about reasons why. Similarly, people in an office might casually discuss the new paint or furniture. There are also some subjects that are not considered acceptable when making small talk. Discussing personal information such as salaries or a recent divorce is not done between people who do not know each other well. Compliments on clothing or hair are acceptable; however, you should never say something (good or bad) about a person's body. Negative comments about another person not involved in the conversation are also not acceptable: when you do not know a person well you cannot be sure who their friends are. You do not talk about private issues either, because you do not know if you can trust the other person with your secrets or personal information. Also, it is not safe to discuss subjects that society deems controversial such as religion or politics. Lastly, it is not wise to continue talking about an issue that the other person does not seem comfortable with or interested in.
WHERE do people make small talk?People make small talk just about anywhere, but there are certain places where it is very common. Most often, small talk occurs in places where people are waiting for something. For example, you might chat with another person who is waiting for the bus to arrive, or to the person beside you waiting to get on an aeroplane. People also make small talk in a doctor's or dentist's waiting room, or in queues at the grocery store. At the office, people make small talk in elevators or lunchrooms and even in restrooms, especially if there is a line-up. Some social events (such as a party) require small talk among guests who do not know each other very well. For example, you might talk to someone you do not know at the punch bowl, or at the poolside. It is called "mingling" when people walk around in a social setting and talk to a variety of people.
WHEN do people make small talk? The most common time for small talk to occur is the first time you see or meet someone on a given day. For example, if you see a co-worker in the lounge you might say hello and discuss the sports or weather. However, the next time you see each other you might just smile and say nothing. If there is very little noise, that might be an indication that it is the right time to initiate a casual conversation. You should only spark up a conversation after someone smiles and acknowledges you. Do not interrupt two people in order to discuss something unimportant such as the weather. If someone is reading a book or writing a letter at the bus stop it is not appropriate to initiate a conversation either. Another good time to make small talk is during a break in a meeting or presentation when there is nothing important going on. Finally, it is important to recognize the cue when the other person wants the conversation to stop.
WHY do people make small talk?There are a few different reasons why people use small talk. The first, and most obvious, is to break an uncomfortable silence. Another reason, however, is simply to fill time. That is why it is so common to make small talk when you are waiting for something. Some people make small talk in order to be polite. You may not feel like chatting with anyone at a party, but it is rude to just sit in a corner by yourself. After someone introduces you to another person, you do not know anything about them, so in order to show a polite interest in getting to know them better, you have to start with some small talk.
Small Talk: Conversation Starters
Talking about the weather
Beautiful day, isn't it? 
Can you believe all of this rain we've been having? 
It looks like it's going to snow. 
It sure would be nice to be in Hawaii right about now. 
I hear they're calling for thunderstorms all weekend. 
We couldn't ask for a nicer day, could we? 
How about this weather? 
Did you order this sunshine? 
Talking about current events
Did you catch the news today? 
Did you hear about that fire on Fourth St? 
What do you think about this transit strike? 
I read in the paper today that the Sears Mall is closing. 
I heard on the radio today that they are finally going to start building the new bridge. 
How about those Reds? Do you think they're going to win tonight? 
At the office
Looking forward to the weekend? 
Have you worked here long? 
I can't believe how busy/quiet we are today, can you? 
Has it been a long week? 
You look like you could use a cup of coffee. 
What do you think of the new computers? 
At a social event 
So, how do you know Justin? 
Have you tried the cabbage rolls that Sandy made? 
Are you enjoying yourself? 
It looks like you could use another drink. 
Pretty nice place, huh? 
I love your dress. Can I ask where you got it? 
Out for a walk
How old's your baby? 
What's your puppy's name? 
The tulips are sure beautiful at this time of year, aren't they. 
How do you like the new park? 
Nice day to be outside, isn't it? 
Waiting somewhere
I didn't think it would be so busy today. 
You look like you've got your hands full (with children or goods). 
The bus must be running late today. 
It looks like we are going to be here a while, huh? 
I'll have to remember not to come here on Mondays. 
How long have you been waiting?