Receiving a Business Inquiry Call
Answering an incoming call from a potential client or partner inquiring about products, services, or collaboration opportunities.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
inquire
To ask for information about something, often in a formal way. Use it when you want to learn more about products or services, like 'I'm calling to inquire about your prices.'
enterprise-level
Refers to services or products designed for large businesses. It's useful in professional talks about business solutions, such as 'enterprise-level software.'
scalable
Able to grow or expand as needed. Common in tech discussions, like 'scalable storage' meaning it can handle more data over time.
seamless
Smooth and without problems or interruptions. Use it to describe easy connections, like 'seamless integration' between systems.
brochure
A small booklet with information about products or services. Often sent via email in business, like 'I'll send you a brochure.'
consultation
A meeting to discuss advice or details. Useful for scheduling talks, such as 'a brief consultation with an expert.'
availability
When someone is free or available. Ask about it in scheduling, like 'What's your availability next week?'
confirm
To make sure something is correct. Use it politely to check details, like 'Just to confirm, is this your email?'
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Good morning, Swift Solutions, Linda speaking. How may I help you?
This is a standard professional greeting for answering a business phone. It includes the company name, speaker's name, and an offer of help. Use it to start calls politely; 'How may I help you?' is formal and shows service.
My name is Tom Harrison from Apex Corp. I'm calling to inquire about your cloud computing services.
Introduces the speaker and states the purpose of the call. Useful for business inquiries; the structure 'I'm calling to [verb]' is common for explaining why you're phoning.
Could you tell me a little more about your company's specific needs?
A polite way to ask for more details. The modal 'could' makes it indirect and courteous; great for gathering information in conversations without being direct.
We're looking for robust data encryption, scalable storage up to 50 terabytes, and seamless integration.
Describes requirements clearly using a list. Useful for stating needs in business; the parallel structure with 'and' connects items smoothly.
Would you be interested in receiving a detailed brochure via email?
Offers something politely with a yes/no question. 'Would you be interested in' softens suggestions; use it to propose options without pressure.
What's your availability like next week?
Asks about free times for scheduling. Informal yet professional; 'like' here means 'how is it'; common in arranging meetings.
Just to confirm, your email is [email protected], correct?
Checks information accurately. 'Just to confirm' is a polite phrase; ends with 'correct?' for yes/no response; essential for avoiding mistakes in details.
You're most welcome, Mr. Harrison. Glad I could assist. Have a great day!
A polite closing for ending calls. 'You're most welcome' is a formal response to thanks; shows appreciation and ends positively.