EN 5.20S - Could you please get back to me as soon as possible?

Leavingagoodmessageiseasywhenyouknowhow,butwedontalwaysdoitwell!Haveyouevertriedtocatchanameoraphone
number from a message and had to replay it a number of times before you finally figured it out? It is much better to be the person leaving
the clear and concise message. It is much more likely that your call will be returned.

1. Let's Get Started

1. What are the important steps to follow when leaving a voicemail message?
2. What is your biggest *pet peeve when listening to voice messages?
*pet peeve = something that really bothers you
3. What are the differences between voice messages and verbal messages?

2. Target Language
Phrases for leaving a message:
1. Introduce yourself
Hi Juan, this is Judi from Acme Trading.

Mynameis
2. State the day and time

Itis(dateandtime)
3. Give your reason for calling (I'm calling to confirm your order)
I'm calling to see if/let you know/find out/tell you,

Ihavesomequestionsregarding
Could you get back to me as soon as possible?
4. If you have specific information that you need to relay give it next.
5. Make a request
Wouldyoumind
Canyoucallmeback

Couldyoucheck
6. If you want them to call you, give your telephone number
You canreachmeat

Pleasecall
7. Tell them when you will be available to take their call

I'llbeintheoffice
I mightnotbeatmydesk
8. Repeat your name and telephone number
My number again is:
9. Spell your name if it is unusual or difficult to pronounce

10. Finish - thank them and/or give a final polite ending

Thank you. I will wait for your call, goodbye.
Thanks. I look forward to your call.

3. Let's Practice
Modal verbs
Instructions: Using the grammar focus of

'CanCouldMayMightMustShouldOughtto'
make sentences using phrases from the target language above.
Example: Could you please get back to me as soon as you get this message?
1. __________________
2. __________________
3. __________________
4. __________________
5. __________________
6. __________________

Pronunciation Practice
Spelling out loud
If you need to spell your name, or take the name of your caller, the biggest problem is often saying vowel sounds:
'a' is pronounced as in 'day'
'e' is pronounced as in 'tree'
'i' is pronounced as in 'I' or 'my'
'o' is pronounced as in 'go'
'u' is pronounced as 'you'

Here are some of the consonants that often cause problems:

'g' is pronounced like the 'j' in 'jump'
'j' is pronounced as in 'DJ' or 'Jane'
'w' is pronounced 'double you'
'x' is pronounced 'ex'
'y' is pronounced 'why'
'z' is pronounced 'zed' (rhymes with 'bed' in British English), or 'zee' (rhymes with 'sea' in American English).
Nowpracticespellingoutyournameandyourcompanysnamewithyourtrainer.

Giving numbers
Here's a phone number: 011 765 3254
And here's how to say it:

"Zerooneonesevensixfivethreetwofivefour
OR
"Zerooneonesevensixfivethirtytwofiftyfour

When you say a seven digit number, separate the number into two blocks of three and four, pausing after each block.

Now practice saying your telephone number with your trainer. Practice giving your office number and your mobile number.

Saying email addresses

@ is pronounced 'at'. For instance, english@ispeakuspeak.com is "english, at, ispeakuspeak, dot, com".
/ is "forward slash".
- is called a "hyphen" or a "dash".
_ is an "underscore".
Now practice giving your email address to your trainer.

Now practice giving the following for a message:

1. information@yourbest.com
2. Hector Gonzalez
3. 055-219-8853
4. jpeterman@worldwideworks.com
5. Maria Elena Duran Lopez
6. 012-044-9633

4. Let's Speak
1. You are a customer service rep calling in on a buyer. You need to leave a detailed message about their order. Make sure you use at
least one grammar focus and the message outline.
2. You are a customer calling to check on your order from invoice F5733Z. Your name is January Hilldebrand. Make sure you spell your
name and give your phone number 042-866-3388. Use the message outline and phrases from the grammar focus.

Follow-up Discussion
1. How would you respond to someone who does not leave a clear voicemail?
2. Discuss some problems that may come up with unclear messages.

5. Let's Review
Feedback and error correction.