HOW TO ASK SOMEONE TO WAIT

Helpful Phrases:


Would you mind waiting?
Would you mind waiting outside, please? There's a couch by the window.
Could you hold on?
Could you hold on? I'll finish this and shall be with you in a minute.
Just a second, please
Just a second, please. Yes, how can I help you?
Could you remain?
Could you remain here for minute, please? I'll get the manager.
Just hang around
Just hang around for a while. I'll try to sneak you in through the back door.

HOW TO ASK ABOUT RESPONSIBILITY

Helpful Phrases:


Who is in charge?
Who is in charge of operations?
Who is running?
Who is running the Asia Pacific division now?
Who is accountable for this?
Who is accountable for this mistake?
Who will be blamed?
Who will be blamed? I'm sure it will be me!
Under whose responsibility?
Under whose responsibility was the test conducted?

HOW TO ASK ABOUT PRICE

Helpful Phrases:


What’s the price?
What's the price for one thousand units?
How much does it cost?
How much does the whole system cost?
What do you charge?
What do you charge for a hundred grams?
Could you give me your fees?
Could you give me your fees for the high season, please?
What are you asking for this?
What are you asking for this vase? It can't be very much…

HOW TO ASK ABOUT A PRODUCT OR SERVICE

Helpful Phrases:


Could you give me some information?
Could you give me some information on your services?
What can you tell me about?
What can you tell me about this dynamo?
What features does it have?
What features does this hydraulic press have?
What are the specifications?
What are the specifications of the switchboard?
Where can I buy it?
Where can I buy the MXC lava lamp?

HOW TO ASK ABOUT A COMPANY

Helpful Phrases:


What does your company do?
What exactly does your company do?
What are your main products?
What are your main products in the detergent category?
Which do you specialize in?
Which sector do you specialize in?
Which services do you provide?
Which services could you provide for us?
Where are you located?
Where are your headquarters located in Europe?

HOW TO ASK FOR OPINION

Helpful Phrases:


Can we get your input?
Can we get your input, Alex?
How do you feel about?
How do you feel about lengthening the contract?
What’s your opinion?
What's your opinion on wearing loafers to the meeting?
What do you think?
What do you think we should do with the Charley's affair?
Do you have any suggestions?
Do you have any suggestions for this committee?

HOW TO ASK SOMEONE TO ANSWER QUESTIONS

Helpful Phrases:


Could you reply to that?
Edith, could you reply to that, please?
Would you care to question?
Would you care to question Mr Jones? He?s better qualified.
I’d rather she answered to that
I'd rather Laura answered to that. Would you mind, Laura?
Why don’t we ask?
Why don't we ask Peter? He is the expert in shipping.
Let’s address this query to
Let's address this query to James. Are you ready, James?

HOW TO ASK SOMEONE TO SPEAK

Helpful Phrases:


Would you like to come to the stand?
Lenny, would you like to come over to the stand?
Allow me to give the floor to
Allow me to give the floor to our next speaker.
I would like to invite
I'd like to invite Professor Reynolds to give us his opinion.
I’d like to call on
I'd like to call on Dr Jacobs. Are you here, Doctor?
I believe someone would like to make a point.
I believe James would like to make a point. What is it, Richard?

HOW TO ASK FOR QUESTIONS

Helpful Phrases:
Would you like to ask?
Would you like to ask anything?
Do you have any query?
Do you have any query on my presentation?
Is it clear?
Is everything clear?
I’m ready to answer
I'm ready to answer any question you might have.
Is there anything you’d like?
Is there anything else you'd like me to explain?

HOW TO ASK FOR INSTRUCTIONS

Helpful Phrases:


How do you?
How do you operate this machine?
What is the best way?
What would you say is the best way to start this letter?
Can you show me?
Can you please show me how to fill this form?
Do you know?
Do you know anything about taxes? Could you help me fill out my return?
How should I go about it?
How should I go about asking for a raise? Shall I speak to Mark first?