Texting is quick, but some things go better with a call: talking to a grandparent, asking a coach a question, or calling a friend’s house when a parent may answer. A good phone call has a simple shape, and the other person can’t see you, so your words do all the work.
Key idea
Greet the person, say who you are, ask if it is a good time, say why you are calling, and say goodbye before you hang up. “Hi, this is Ruby, Hana’s friend. Is Hana there, please?”
Why it works
On the phone, the other person can’t see who is talking, so saying your name right away saves them from guessing. Asking whether it is a good time respects their day: they may be cooking, driving or about to leave. A clear reason and a goodbye make the call easy to follow and easy to end.
Worked example: Calling Grandma
Leo wants to call Grandma June to thank her for a birthday card. How might the call go?
- Greet and say who it is, even with family; her phone may not show the name: “Hi, Grandma, it’s Leo.”
- Ask if it’s a good time: “Is this a good time to talk?”
- Say why he called: “I wanted to thank you for the card.” Then chat, and say goodbye: “Love you, bye!”
Answer: “Hi, Grandma, it’s Leo. Is this a good time? I wanted to thank you for the card.”
Worked example: Calling the coach
Omar needs to tell Coach Diaz he will miss practice. What should he say?
- Greet and give his full name: “Hi, Coach Diaz, this is Omar Haddad from the team.”
- Ask if it is a good time.
- Give the reason clearly and briefly: “I have a dentist appointment Thursday, so I’ll miss practice.” Then thank him and say goodbye.
Answer: “Hi, Coach Diaz, this is Omar Haddad. Is this a good time? I’ll miss Thursday’s practice because of a dentist appointment. Thanks, bye.”
Common mistake
Starting to talk without saying your name, or calling during dinner or late at night. Check: did you say who you are in your first sentence? Is it a reasonable hour for the family you are calling?
If you reach voicemail, leave a short message: your name, why you called, your number and a goodbye. Speak slowly when you say the number.