Extract 1.

-As Ping does above, you should reply by saying 'this is' and your name,

then the name of your company after the words 'from' or 'of', and then who you would like to speak to.

-Other useful phrases for asking for someone on the phone:

Is Mr. Wilson available please?

Could you put me through to Mr. Wilson please?

Extract 2.

-You can also explain that someone isn't available by saying:

I'm sorry - he's not available at present.

I'm sorry - he's out of the office at the moment.

-When leaving a message, keep it simple and to the point. Other ways to leave a message:

Could you ask him to phone me please?

If he could call me back, that would be great.

-And here are other ways to check that all the details in the message are correct:

Could you just repeat your name please?

Could I have your number again please?

Would you mind repeating that?

Extract 3.

-Ping first thanks Blake for calling her back. Then she states the purpose of her call, and they schedule the meeting.

Because she wants the meeting, Ping lets Blake suggest a time that fits his schedule.

This is polite, because he is the customer. After that, Ping repeats the day and time of the meeting for confirmation.