Phone & Video Call English
Handle calls confidently — even without body language. Phrases for opening, clarifying, transferring, and closing.
A British Council survey found that phone calls ranked as the number one source of anxiety for professionals using English as a second language, ahead of presentations and meetings.
What Are the Best English Phrases for Business Phone Calls?
Phone calls in English are the most stressful form of business communication because you cannot rely on body language or facial expressions. Having ready-made phrases for opening, clarifying, transferring, and closing calls reduces cognitive load and helps you sound confident even when you are nervous.
6 function groups, 28 ready-to-use phrases. Each phrase shows its register — Formal, Neutral, or Informal.
Tip: On a call, you lose all visual cues — no nods, no expressions, no body language. That makes clarification phrases essential. When in doubt, always read back what you've understood before ending the call.
Games
Reading phrases is not the same as knowing them. These games put you in the situation and make you perform under pressure — without the real-world consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you answer a business phone call in English?
Answer with your company name, your name, and an offer to help: 'Good morning, [Company], this is [Name] speaking. How can I help you?' This three-part structure is standard in English-speaking business culture. Avoid answering with just 'Hello' — it sounds unprofessional. If answering an internal call, you can shorten to '[Name] speaking'.
How do you ask someone to repeat something on a phone call?
Use polite clarification phrases: 'I am sorry, could you repeat that?', 'Would you mind saying that again?', or 'I did not quite catch that — could you say it once more?'. These are perfectly normal in business calls and nobody will judge you for using them. You can also rephrase what you heard: 'Just to confirm, you said...' to check your understanding.
How do you end a business phone call professionally?
Summarise any agreed actions, confirm next steps, and close with a professional phrase: 'Thank you for your time', 'I will send that over by end of day', or 'Please do not hesitate to call if you need anything else'. End with 'Goodbye' or 'Have a good day'. Avoid ending abruptly — always signal the call is wrapping up before hanging up.