Focus on Function

• First:– Speak slowly, clearly and distinctly.

• Second:– Avoid idiom and slang

• Third:– Say numbers slowly and then repeat them

• Fourth:– At the end of the conversation, summarize the

key points• Fifth:

– Repeat them in writing and either fax or send them by email as back-up conformation of your discussion

• Listen to these telephone conversations. Do they follow these below tips? What phrases do the speakers use to:

show that they wish to draw the conversation to

the close?

summarize the key points?

say goodbye?

Click here to hear the conversations

• It was really kind of you (to…)

• Thanks very much (for…)

• Thank you very much indeed (for…)

• I do not know how to thank you (for…)

• I’m very grateful• I just wanted to say

thanks• I really appreciate…

• You’re welcome.• Don’t mention it.• Not at all.• It was a pleasure.• That’s all right

Listen to four extracts from four

short conversations. Which of these below phrases do the speakers use to thank and respond thanks ?

Click here to hear the conversations

All the bestBest of luckBest regardsOur best wishes for the

future

• Good bye

• Have a safe trip

• Hope to see you again some time

• Take care

• Keep in touch

• It was good to see you again

• See you soon

• Bye for now

• It’s been really nice talking to you

• That’s all for now

• See you later

• Look forward to seeing you soon

Work in pair. From the 4 following pictures, improvise a dialogue, using appropriate phrases of concluding a conversation, thanking and leave-taking:

Context: A calls B