Telephone English: How to leave a message?

If the person you want to talk to is not available, you may want to leave a message. Leaving a message is pretty easy. All that you need to do is to give your name, the time, the reason for your calling and your telephone number.

The telephone rings. If the person you want to talk to is not available on the line, you might hear an auto response.

Here is an example of the auto response and a message you can leave.

Hello. This is Peter. I’m afraid I’m not in at the moment. Please leave a message after the beep.

After you hear the beep, leave your message. Start with your name and then state the time of your calling.

Hello. This is John. It is 4 pm. We are going to the theatre tonight. I am calling to find out if you are interested in coming with us. Would you mind calling me back? I can be reached at 932-3615. I will talk to you later. Bye.

Variations are possible.

Hello. This is Alice. / Hello. My name is Alice.
While stating the time

It is nine o’clock in the morning / evening.
It is 10 am.
It is half past three in the afternoon.
It is about noon.

I am calling to find out if you are free this evening.
I am ringing to see if are interested in coming over for lunch with us.
I am calling to let you know that I won’t be able to meet you tomorrow.
I am calling to tell you that I have just received a call from your landlord.

Could you call / ring me back?
Could you call / ring me back at / on 370 2854?
Would you mind calling me back?

My number is 670 8932.
You can call me at / on 670 8932.
I can be reached at / on 670 8932.

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