Telephone Conversation Worksheets

Related ELA Standard: SL.9-10.1c

Core Standard
Answer Keys Here

Every conversation you have will differ based on the medium used to facilitate it. When you are speaking face to face much is conveyed then just words, body language and delivery have a great deal to do with how you translate the meaning of the message. Telephone conversations allow us to conceal our true feelings a little better than in person. It is much harder for anyone to gauge your demeanor when vocal conversations happen over the phone. These worksheets will help students understand how to portrait their feelings and thoughts through a conversation on the phone.

Telephone Conversation Worksheets:

Telephone Etiquette - Etiquette means polite behavior. When using the telephone, you should always.

Talking on the Telephone - Write three sentences in which you identify yourself on the phone. Make sure that you value the time of the people that you are talking to.

Appropriate Actions - Choose the most appropriate option for each action. We put you in a situation and ask you to tell us how you would react in each.

Using Appropriate Greetings - Write an appropriate greeting for each time given. This is what you would say to someone that you are not very close with.

Act It Out - Working in pairs, with one student being the caller and the other the person who answers the phone, act out each conversation.

Take a Message - Work in pairs. Take turns "calling" each other and taking messages. I find that it is helpful to fill in one of the slots before you start working on it.

Talking on the Telephone - Working in pairs, with one student being the caller and the other the person who answers the phone, act out each conversation.

Is That Right? - Choose the most appropriate response to each sentence. What is the best way to talk to each person?

Unknown Caller - Imagine you are the caller. Fill in the blanks of your side of the conversation, based on the information provided.

Telephone Manners - Imagine you are the caller. Write to the requirements below, based on the information provided.

Conversations and Messages - Choose roles. Work in pairs to complete the following activities. Switch roles and act out the conversations again.

End to End - Write an appropriate way to begin each conversation. Indicate how you would greet the person on the other end of the phone, and how you would tell them who you are and why you are calling.

Little Linda - You are calling for Linda, who is the teenage daughter of one of your friends. You are wondering if she would be interested in babysitting your six-year-old on Saturday evening.

Telephone Etiquette - You are have been out sick for several days. You are calling your teacher on the telephone.

Leaving Messages - Read the scripts. Then write the message you would leave if you were the caller.

Telephone Call Etiquette

Here are some basic telephone call etiquettes that everyone should follow.


Answer The Call Within Three Rings

If you are someone who is always on your phone and everybody knows that, then it would be rude to keep the caller waiting. It is advisable to answer the call within three rings. It provides convenience to the caller as they might not have a lot of time on their hand. If you were unable to pick the call on time then you can ask the caller to excuse for the delay. If you want you can also provide an explanation for the delay.


Introduce Yourself

If the caller does not know you or you do not know them, then it is best to immediately introduce yourself. You can also ask for their introduction as well. This should give you first indication as to the reason that they have called. It is best to always approach each call you receive in friendly manner. People tend to react in the same way that they are approached, even on telephone conversations.


Speak Clearly

Sometimes it can be hard to understand what the other person is saying on the phone due to technical issues. You should speak as clearly as possible so that the other person does not misinterpret what you have said.


Only Use Speaker When Necessary

Most phones have the option of speakerphone as well. This can be of great convenience sometimes when you cannot keep the phone on your ear all the time. However, it is important that you only use it when it is required. You should also ask the caller if you can put them on the speaker as it will allow the people near you to listen to the conversation as well.


Listen Actively

Another telephone call etiquette is to listen actively. Pay attention to what the caller has to say. Do not think about what you are going to say next. Focus on the thoughts of the caller. Take wait time to process what they are saying, when they finish speaking. Once you have fully processed your thoughts, move on to proactively providing them feedback.


Ask Before Putting Someone On Hold

If you have something extremely important to do, you can put the caller on hold. However, it is important that you ask them if you can do so.