The Situation
You need an appointment — at the doctor's, the dentist's, a hair salon or a car repair shop. On the phone you can't see the person, so clear, simple phrases are very important.
Key Phrases
Starting the call
- Hi, I'd like to book an appointment, please.
- Hello, I'm calling to make an appointment with Dr. Lee.
- Hi, I'd like to book a haircut for this week.
Choosing a time
| They say | You say |
|---|---|
| When would you like to come in? | Do you have anything on Thursday? |
| We have 10:30 or 3:15. | 3:15 is perfect. / 10:30 works for me. |
| The earliest is next Monday. | Do you have anything sooner? |
| Is the morning OK? | I'd prefer the afternoon, if possible. |
Your details
- Can I have your name, please? — It's Kowalczyk. I'll spell it: K-O-W-A-L-C-Z-Y-K.
- And a phone number? — It's 416-555-0193.
- Have you been here before? — Yes, I have. / No, it's my first time.
Changing or cancelling
- I'd like to change my appointment, please.
- I need to reschedule. Do you have anything later in the week?
- I'm sorry, I need to cancel my appointment on Friday.
Checking and ending
- So that's Thursday at 3:15, right?
- Great, see you then.
- Thanks for your help. Bye!
Dialogue 1: The Dentist
Receptionist: Good morning, Bright Smile Dental. Marta: Hi, I'd like to book a check-up, please. Receptionist: Sure. Have you been here before? Marta: No, it's my first time. Receptionist: OK. We have Tuesday at 9 or Wednesday at 4:30. Marta: Wednesday at 4:30 works for me. Receptionist: Can I have your name? Marta: Marta Kowalczyk. I'll spell the last name: K-O-W-A-L-C-Z-Y-K. Receptionist: Thank you. And a phone number? Marta: 416-555-0193. Receptionist: Great. So that's Wednesday at 4:30. Please come 10 minutes early to fill out a form. Marta: Perfect. Thank you!
Dialogue 2: Changing an Appointment
Salon: Hello, Studio Hair. Dan: Hi, this is Dan Morales. I have an appointment tomorrow at 11, but I need to change it. Salon: No problem. When would you like to come in? Dan: Do you have anything on Saturday? Salon: Saturday is full, I'm afraid. How about Friday at 5? Dan: Friday at 5 is fine. Salon: OK, I've moved it. See you on Friday! Dan: Thanks. Bye!
Tips
- Have a pen and your calendar ready before you call.
- Say your number in groups: four-one-six... five-five-five... oh-one-nine-three. People often say "oh" for 0.
- Cancel early. Many places ask for 24 hours' notice and may charge a fee if you don't come.
Common Mistakes
- "I want to take an appointment." → I'd like to book / make an appointment.
- "I am calling for to book..." → I'm calling to book...
- "It's good for me the Thursday." → Thursday works for me.
- "Sorry, I cancel." → I'm sorry, I need to cancel my appointment.
Your Turn: Practise Speaking
- Spell your first and last name out loud, slowly and clearly.
- Say your phone number in groups, twice.
- Practise Dialogue 1 with a different place (a hair salon, a car repair shop).