Keys for a telephone conversation in English
Mastering English is essential for success in the workplace, academics and, of course, in daily communication. The ability to communicate fluently and effectively in English will open doors for us in all aspects of our lives. But, what happens when this communication is transferred to the telephone sphere or through instant messaging applications such as Whatsapp or email? How can we function correctly in these cases?
The fact of being able to hold a conversation in English over the phone or messages can be of great benefit for our personal and professional life, whether it is to create ties with foreign friends, resolve administrative procedures in international environments or even carry out business negotiations. By being in contact with people from different countries and cultures, we will be able to acquire global knowledge and, therefore, enrich our lives and increase our competitiveness in the labor market.
Sometimes, despite having a level of English considered good, we find that, when talking on the phone, we feel afraid, nervous or even blocked. This may be due to the lack of security in our level of English, the impossibility of reading body language, interference on the telephone line, among other factors. Therefore, it is essential to learn and practice some strategies and tips to function correctly in this type of situation.
To do this, there is no better way to learn than to immerse yourself in an English-speaking environment and face real situations. Summer courses abroad, such as those offered in Ireland, represent an excellent opportunity to improve our communication skills. These experiences allow us to connect with people from different cultures, practice English in everyday contexts and gain confidence in our abilities.
Writing is also a key factor in communication, especially when it comes to emails. Clear, well-structured writing will make us look more professional and increase our chances of success. Therefore, it is essential to know how to express ourselves correctly through different media and situations.
In short, mastering English in all its aspects, including telephone and written communication, is essential in today's world. Having solid communication skills in this language will allow us to function successfully in our personal and professional lives, expanding our opportunities and horizons. So don't wait any longer, and start practicing by following the tips that we are going to mention in this article!
Keys to a successful conversation
It is not surprising that as human beings we block ourselves at certain moments when speaking in English, and this is mainly due to the lack of confidence in our level of knowledge of the language. It is in these situations where we consider how to improve our communication skills. An experience that helps significantly in this regard is studying an English summer course abroad. For example, many children who study in Ireland make friends and, when they return home, have conversations in English with them. This allows them to keep practicing and improving their skills.
Without further ado, here are my 10 tips for having a phone conversation in English:
- Prepare the context. Before making a call in English, it is essential that you find yourself in a quiet place without distractions, which will allow you to properly concentrate on the conversation. This way, you will be able to hear the other person clearly and think calmly about your responses.
- Learn basic English greetings. As in any other language, greetings in English are the starting point of any conversation. Some of the most common expressions for formal and informal greetings are "hello" or "hi." To ask how someone is doing, you can use "how are you?" (which means how are you in English) or "how are you doing?". Also, don't forget to incorporate courtesy expressions like "please" (please) and "thank you" (thank you). Lastly, don't worry if you make mistakes here, as it's practice that makes perfect.
- Good morning in English and other temporary greetings. Depending on the time of day in which you are, it is appropriate to know different temporary greetings. "Good morning" (good morning), "good afternoon" (good afternoon) and "good evening" (good night) are the most common expressions for each situation.
- Practice active listening. Paying attention to what the other person tells us is essential to maintain a fluid conversation. At the same time, nodding with "yes" or "uh-huh" shows that you are listening and understanding the conversation.
- Think English. To avoid blocks and speed up your communication, try to think directly in English. Thus, you will avoid constantly translating from Spanish to English in your head, which causes long pauses or errors in the conversation.
- Ask for clarification if necessary. If you don't understand something, don't be afraid to ask the other person to repeat the information or to speak more slowly. You can use phrases like "could you repeat that, please?" (could you repeat that, please?) or "could you speak more slowly, please?" (Would you speak slower, please?).
- Clearly state your intent or purpose. At the beginning of the conversation, it is crucial to clearly establish the reason for the call. For example, "I am calling about…" (I call about…) or "I would like to discuss…" (I would like to talk about…).
- Speak slowly and clearly. Avoid speaking too fast, as this can cause confusion for the person you are speaking to. Taking your time to pronounce each word correctly will make the conversation more fluent and understandable.
- Learn to say goodbye in English. In the same way that we start the conversation with a greeting, it is important to know how to say goodbye in English correctly. Some phrases you can use are "goodbye" (goodbye), "see you later" (see you later) or "have a nice day" (have a good day).
- Practice makes a master. The last and most important piece of advice is to persevere and not be afraid to face telephone conversations in English. The more we practice, the better we will be able to function and the more confident we will feel in our abilities.
Speaking on the phone in English is an essential skill to develop in today's globalized environment. Don't let insecurity stop you! Apply these tips, master greetings in English and don't be afraid to ask how you are in English, because with time and effort, you will master communication in this language.
Remember that, at the end of the day, what helps us overcome these blocks is practice and the constant search for new challenges. Having telephone conversations in English with native speakers will give you the opportunity to improve and thus successfully face future challenges related to English.