Daily lifeSpeaking roleplay

Booking by phone in English

Book a time, spell your name and move a booking on the phone, out loud, with a receptionist who reacts to what you say.

Your level

Jess, salon receptionist

Hi, you're through to Cutting Room, Jess speaking.

Your goal Find a time that works, change it if you need to and check the details.

Example conversation: booking by phone

How the roleplay can go at each level, with answers that work. In the roleplay, Jess reacts to your own words, so it can go differently.

BeginnerBook a time, give your name and spell it.

IntermediateFind a time that works, change it if you need to and check the details.

Upper intermediateMove a booking you already have, cope with no free times and leave a clear message.

Jess
Cutting Room, good morning. How can I help?
You
Hi. I need to move my appointment. Something's come up.
Jess
Let me find it. What name is it under?
You
It's under Silva. Maria Silva.
Jess
We're full this week. The cancellation list, or Sam on Saturday? He's pricier.
You
I'd rather wait. Could you let me know if anything comes up?
Jess
Done. I'll text you if anything opens up. There's a ten-pound fee for changes under a day's notice. Is that okay?
You
Is there any way you could let it go this time?
Jess
Since you're a regular, I'll let it go. All sorted, then. Bye now!

The phrases the roleplay listens for at each level. Use one and it lights up in the roleplay.

Beginner

Intermediate

Upper intermediate

Things people often say here, and a more natural way to say them. If you say one in the roleplay, you see the fix under your answer.

Instead ofI want make an appointment.
SayI'd like to make an appointment.
“I’d like to…” sounds polite on the phone.
Instead ofCan you repeat?
SayCould you say that again?
This sounds friendlier on the phone.
Instead ofIt writes S I L V A.
SayIt's spelled S I L V A.
For the letters of a word, say “It’s spelled…”.
Instead ofI would like to reserve a haircut.
SayI would like to book a haircut.
We book appointments. We reserve tables and rooms.
Instead ofI didn't understand, speak slowly.
SayI didn't understand, could you speak more slowly.
A question sounds polite on the phone.
Instead ofI can come after the work.
SayI can come after work.
No “the” in “after work”.
Instead ofI need to postpone my appointment before.
SayI need to bring my appointment forward.
“Postpone” means later. For earlier, say “bring forward”.
Instead ofCall me if there is a cancel.
SayCall me if there is a cancellation.
The noun is “cancellation”.
Instead ofIt doesn't matter me.
SayIt doesn't matter to me.
Say “It doesn’t matter to me”.
Instead ofCan you put me in the cancellation list?
SayCan you put me on the cancellation list?
You go “on” a list.

Eleven more everyday situations, each at three levels. See them all.