Conversation Techniques

Monty: I think he was quite impressed with your telephone manners, because he gave me a big smile when he handed over the telephone to me.

James.: Thank you. Now, about our going to a movie ……..

Points

1.When you hear an elderly person’s voice on the line, be very cautious. It’s always good to address the elderly person ‘Sir’ or ‘Madam’. They will be impressed and would be most polite to you. Don’t ask him/her, “Who are you? What are you doing in my friend’s house? Are you Monty’s father or something?” Youngsters should not exceed their limit. Be courteous as James had done in this example.

2.”Howdy’ is a short form of “how do you do?” This is a typical language of college students. Similarly the word ‘yaar’. This is an Hindi word, actually. But it has become common all over India.

3.An elder can use the inquiry, “Who are you …?” And here the elder also adds” …young man”. It shows his affection for the caller. You may also say something like, “Who are you young sir?” And the little fellow at the end would feel thrilled and perhaps address you “sir”.

Situation 7 - Conversation between an young man and an young woman over the telephone

(You are Mahesh and you wish to speak with your friend Ramanan on telephone)

Tring… tring…

Other: Haloo.

(You come to know straightway that the voice is that of a woman. You can’t guess her age also. Possibly a college going maiden.)

Mahesh: Hm…. Er … hm.. Good morning, I wish to speak with Ramanan. Please.

Other: Oh Ramanan. He is my cousin. Could you please wait till he comes. I think he is in the toilet. Shall send a word across to him. May I know who is on the line?

Mahesh: Mahesh. Ramanan is my classmate, you see? Will he take long?

Other: Don’t know? I believe he spends quite a while when he goes in for a bath.

Mahesh: Does he also sing inside the bathroom?

Other:Yes, he does. That’s what Aunty tells me.

Mahesh:Well, I have known him as a ‘bathroom singer’. Hah.. hah.