First phone conversation
We’ve divided this section on telephone French into separate classes. In this first class we’ll look at the standard phrases we need when we answer the phone.
The telephone can be pretty daunting if you aren't an expert French speaker. Awkward pauses just seem so much more, well, awkward; and with no visual contact, using our hands to describe something, or flashing an I-haven't-a-clue-but-at-least-I'm-trying smile just don't have the same effect. However, it's surprising how little French you need to learn in order to successfully negotiate a phone conversation.
In this class we will be concentrating on using the phone in a business or professional context.
Let's start by looking at the most commonly used phrases and questions:
Receiving a phone call
We've answered the phone, and the caller can only speak French. bummer. Let's look at a few possible scenarios:
The caller wants to speak to one of your colleagues.
here are some of the possible responses:
- Je vous le/la passe.
I'll put you through.
If our colleague isn't availble then things get a little more complicated:
She's on the phone at the moment, I'm afraid.
- Elle n'est pas au bureau.
She is not in the office at the moment. - Elle n'est pas ici en ce moment.
She is not in the office at the moment. - Ma collègue sera ici demain matin.
My colleague will be here tomorrow morning.
Let's suggest a couple of solutions:
- Pouvez-vous nous rappeler demain?
Could you call back tomorrow? - Je lui dirai que vous avez appelé.
I'll tell her that you have called.
Asking for the caller's details
- Pourriez-vous me donner votre nom et prenom s'il vous plait?
Could you give me your name, please?
In French the custom is to always ask for the surname first, and then the first name.
Nom=Surname
Prenom=First
Overcoming comunication problems:
It's an absolute certaintity that you'll experience some kind of communication problem while using the phone in French.
- Pouvez-vous parler plus lentement s'il vous plaît?
Could you speak more slowly, please? - Excusez-moi, je ne vous ai pas bien compris
I'm sorry, I haven't understood properly. - Est-ce que vous pouvez épeler votre nom?
Could you spell your surname for me? - Excusez-moi, vous pouvez me le répéter?
I'm sorry, Could you repeat that?
Thanks for visiting!
Some other stuff here
This Course
Business French
Our Business French course is designed to get you working in French as quickly as possible. The course contains sections on meetings and the telephone, as well as French for finance and practical workplace French (The type of practical phrases you'll need in a French-speaking office).
We are also working on a series of sector-based courses. First up is a set of classes for estate agents and property buyers.
Other sections in this course
Real estate
Whether you're selling property in Provence or working with clients in Paris, the type of vocabulary you'll need isn't going to vary much from place to place.
Speaking on the Phone
Speaking on the phone can be one of the most difficult tasks in any foreign language. In this course we'll take you through all the basics, from answering the phone, to taking messages or giving excuses when your boss hasn't come back from lunch.
French for Meetings
Need to attend a meeting with French-speaking clients?
In this section we'll cover everything from arranging dates and sending invitations, to writing agendas, through to summarising the agreements reached at the meeting.
In a French-speaking office
Dont' know how to ask for a stapler? In this section we'll take you through all those useful little phrases and questions for office life that other courses just don't cover.
Finance and Numbers
How do we present numbers and talk about financial information in French? In this section we cover the basics (the numbers in French!) as well as how to present graphs, sales results, or complicated statistical data.
Speaking on the Phone
Other classes in this section:
First phone conversation
In this first class we’ll look at the standard phrases we need when we answer the phone.
Making a phone call
How to you make a telephone call in French? What do we say to introduce yourself?
Taking and Leaving Messages
Taking and leaving messages can be tricky in a foreign language, particularly in a business context where mistakes can be costly! However, it's a really important part of being able to speak on the telephone. So roll up your sleeves and let's get into the nitty gritty!