电话英语支招

 　　If you're looking for a challenging situation to practice your English, just pick up the telephone. 身在职场，打电话是不可避免的。对于有国际业务的公司来说，用英语打电话也是家常便饭。

　　Not being able to see the person you're talking to and the body language they're using can make chatting on the phone one of the most difficult forms of communication. Never fear, though! Here are some tips to guide you through an average telephone conversation in English.

　　Greetings 问候语

　　Every phone call should begin with a polite greeting such as, "Hi, how've you been?" or "Nice to hear from you". Even if you're calling a business contact for a specific purpose, it'd be rude to jump right into business without a little small talk at the beginning. 无论做什么，礼貌是不可少的。

　　Getting to the point 直奔主题

　　寒暄一番后，就该言归正传了。There always comes the point, however, where you want to move on from friendly banter¹ and get down to business. For this situation, use the phrase "I'm just calling to..." to transition² to the topic at hand. For example, "I'm just calling to see if you'd like to set up a meeting." If the situation is reversed³, however, and you are waiting to find out why someone called you, you can guide the conversation by saying, "So what can I do for you?"

　　Interrupting without insult⁴ 礼貌打断对方

　　有些人说起话来就是滔滔不绝。If someone is going on and on, and you'd like to interrupt, be sure to do it politely. For example, begin with "I would like to say something here, if I may" or "Allow me to make a point." Or, you could just ask: May I interrupt you for a second?

　　Confirming action 确认谈话内容

　　If you're making plans on the phone, be sure to confirm the details toward⁵ the end of the call. Begin with phrases like "Please let me confirm..." and "So, let me make sure I've got things straight..." and follow up with the details as you understand them. 这样双方都清晰明了，以免出现误解纠纷。

　　Closing the call 结束通话

　　Sometimes this can be the trickiest⁶ part of the conversation! It may be the time to offer some good wishes, such as good luck on that interview or hope you feel better soon if it's appropriate. Additionally, you may want to confirm any plans you've made: I'll see you on Friday, then. Sometimes it's easiest to just say you enjoyed speaking to the other person. Also, keep in mind that strategically⁷ saying the word well at the beginning of a sentence can indicate that you are ready to end the conversation: Well John, it's been a pleasure talking to you. 老外打算要结束电话的时候常常会说"谢谢"，这时你可就要注意了哦！

1 banter   

n.嘲弄，戏谑；v.取笑，逗弄，开玩笑

参考例句：

• The actress exchanged banter with reporters.女演员与记者相互开玩笑。
• She engages in friendly banter with her customers.她常和顾客逗乐。

2 transition   

n.转变，变迁，过渡

参考例句：

• Adolescence is the period of transition between childhood and adulthood.青春期是童年与成年之间的过渡时期。
• They all support a peaceful transition.他们全部都支持和平过渡。

3 reversed   

v.（使）反转( reverse的过去式和过去分词 )；（使）颠倒；（使）翻转；推翻adj.颠倒的

参考例句：

• The new president reversed many of the policies of his predecessor. 新任总统彻底改变了其前任的许多政策。
• The appeal court reversed the original verdict and set the prisoner free. 上诉法庭撤销了原判，把那个犯人释放了。 来自《简明英汉词典》

4 insult   

vt.侮辱，凌辱；n.侮辱的言词或行为

参考例句：

• You will insult her if you don't go to her party. 你要是不去参加她举办的聚会，就对她太无礼了。
• I can't sit down with that insult.我不能忍受那种侮辱。

5 toward   

prep.对于，关于，接近，将近，向，朝

参考例句：

• Suddenly I saw a tall figure approaching toward the policeman.突然间我看到一个高大的身影朝警察靠近。
• Upon seeing her,I smiled and ran toward her. 看到她我笑了，并跑了过去。

6 trickiest   

adj.狡猾的( tricky的最高级 )；（形势、工作等）复杂的；机警的；微妙的

参考例句：

• Many believe this is the trickiest area to navigate. 很多人认为这是最难驾驭的领域。 来自时文部分
• Establishing confidence in a new monetary system was the trickiest part. 建立对新货币体系的信心是其最棘手的部分。 来自互联网

7 strategically   

adv.战略上，战略性地

参考例句：

• The fence is strategically sited to prevent anyone getting onto the beach. 这个围栏的地点选择得很有策略，可以阻止任何人到海滩上。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• There are candles strategically placed—just in case we have another power cut. 我们把蜡烛放在合适的地方，以防再停电。 来自《简明英汉词典》