Your questions
Christine B. fragte per E-Mail:
Ich bin Assistentin des Vertriebsleiters Inland. Es kommt immer wieder vor, dass fremde, englisch-sprachige Personen anrufen und meinen Chef sprechen wollen. Wie kann ich höflich aber bestimmt den Personen verständlich machen, dass mein Chef sie nicht zurückrufen wird bzw. ich das Gespräch nicht verbinden kann, ohne den Grund des Anrufes zu kennen.
How many of you do not know this kind of phone call? I'm more than happy to give you some suggestions of what to say.
- I’m afraid Mr Weimer won’t accept calls unless I can tell him who’ s calling and what it’ s about.
- If it’s so important, please send me an email stating exactly what you want. I will pass it on to Mr Smith.
- I’m sorry, but there is no point in calling again. Mrs Augustine does not want to take your call. If you want to send her an email, I’ll be glad to pass it on.
This should work. If not, the only alternative you have is to put the phone down. You do this by saying:
- I’m sorry but this is getting us nowhere. I’m going to put the phone down now. I’m sure you’ll understand. Goodbye.
And there’s no reason to feel bad about it – it’s not you being impolite but them for bothering you with their calls.