If you're looking for a challenging situation to practice your English, just pick up the telephone. 身在職場，打電話是不可避免的。對于有國際業務的公司來說，用英語打電話也是家常便飯。

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 問候語

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. 無論做什么，禮貌是不可少的。

Getting to the point 直奔主題

寒暄一番后，就該言歸正傳了。There always comes the point, however, where you want to move on from friendly banter and get down to business. For this situation, use the phrase "I'm just calling to..." to transition 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 reversed, 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 insult 禮貌打斷對方

有些人說起話來就是滔滔不絕。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 確認談話內容

If you're making plans on the phone, be sure to confirm the details toward 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. 這樣雙方都清晰明了，以免出現誤解糾紛。

Closing the call 結束通話

Sometimes this can be the trickiest 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 strategically 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. 老外打算要結束電話的時候常常會說"謝謝"，這時你可就要注意了哦！

（改編自：中青網英語角 英語點津 Annabel 編輯）