Handling a Misdialed Call
A caller has clearly dialed the wrong number. The assistant calmly explains that they have reached the wrong company and politely guides them.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
sir
A polite way to address a man, especially in formal situations like business calls. Use it to show respect.
department
A section or division within a company, like sales or accounting. Useful for talking about company structure.
accounting
The part of a business that handles money, finances, and records. Common in office settings.
dialed
The past tense of 'dial,' meaning to enter a phone number to make a call. Use it when discussing phone mistakes.
apologies
A formal way to say 'sorry.' It's polite and professional for admitting a mistake.
bothered
To disturb or interrupt someone. In this context, it means causing inconvenience.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Good morning, Sterling Solutions. Emily speaking. How may I help you?
This is a standard professional greeting for answering a business phone. It includes the time of day, company name, your name, and an offer to assist. Use it at the start of work calls to sound polite and helpful. Note the formal 'How may I help you?' instead of casual 'How can I help?'
Could I speak with Mr. Harrison in the accounting department, please?
A polite request to talk to someone specific. 'Could I' makes it formal and indirect. Add 'please' for courtesy. Useful when calling a company to reach a person in a certain area.
I'm sorry, sir, but we don't have anyone by that name in our accounting department.
This politely corrects a mistake. 'I'm sorry' apologizes, 'sir' shows respect, and 'by that name' means with that person's name. Use it to explain something isn't available without being rude.
It sounds like you might have dialed the wrong number.
A gentle way to suggest the caller made an error. 'It sounds like' softens the statement, and 'might have' expresses possibility. Helpful for handling misdialed calls calmly.
My apologies! I must have.
A quick, formal apology for a mistake. 'My apologies' is professional, and 'I must have' agrees with the suggestion. Use this to admit fault politely and end the conversation nicely.
No problem at all, sir. I hope you're able to reach the correct company.
This reassures the caller it's okay. 'No problem at all' is very forgiving, and the hope clause shows kindness. End with it to maintain good relations even in errors.
Have a good day.
A common, polite way to end a phone call. It's friendly and professional. Use it after resolving an issue to leave a positive impression.