Modifying Reservation Details
The customer calls to change the date, time, or number of guests for an existing reservation, explaining the new requirements.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
modify
To modify means to make small changes to something, like changing details in a booking. Use it when you want to adjust plans politely.
reservation
A reservation is a booking you make in advance for a table at a restaurant. It's essential for popular places to ensure you have a spot.
existing
Existing means something that already exists or has been made before. In this context, it refers to a reservation that is already booked.
certainly
Certainly is a polite way to say 'yes, of course' when agreeing to help or answer a request. It's common in customer service.
availability
Availability means when something is free or open for use, like table slots at a restaurant. Check it when making changes to plans.
updated
Updated means changed to include the latest information. Staff use this when they adjust your booking details in their system.
confirmation
A confirmation is official proof that your request has been accepted, often sent by email. It helps you know everything is set.
party of
Party of means a group of people, like 'party of four' for four guests. It's a standard phrase in restaurants for booking sizes.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Good morning. I'd like to modify an existing reservation, please.
This is a polite opening for a phone call to request changes. 'I'd like to' is a formal way to express a wish, useful for starting service conversations. Use it to sound professional.
What name is the reservation under and for what date?
This question asks for booking details. 'Under' means in the name of someone. It's a common pattern for verifying information; practice it for customer service roles.
It's under Sarah Chen, for this Saturday, May 25th, at 7 PM for four people.
This provides specific details clearly. Note the date format (month day) and time. Useful for confirming reservations; it shows how to include all key info like name, date, time, and group size.
How would you like to modify it?
This invites the customer to explain changes. 'How would you like to' is conditional polite English for preferences. Great for service dialogues to keep the conversation going.
We'd like to change the date to Sunday, May 26th, at 7 PM, and increase the number of guests from four to six, if possible.
This states the desired changes politely. 'We'd like to' uses contraction for 'we would like to,' and 'if possible' softens the request. Ideal for making adjustments without being demanding.
Let me check for you.
This means 'I'll look into it to help you.' It's a helpful phrase showing you're assisting. Use it in service situations to buy time while verifying information.
Yes, we do have availability at that time for six guests. I've updated your reservation.
This confirms success and action taken. 'We do have' emphasizes yes, and present perfect 'I've updated' shows recent completion. Useful for positive responses in bookings.
Perfect, thank you so much for your help!
This expresses gratitude enthusiastically. 'Thank you so much' intensifies thanks. End calls or interactions with it to be polite and positive.