Course: How to... Speak English / Unit 1 / Session 21 / Activity 1

EXAMPLEReceptionistBushy Hill Surgery?

Hello, I'd like to book an appointment, please.

Right, we have Thursday morning at 10 or Friday afternoon at 3pm.

Thursday morning suits me and I'd prefer to see a lady doctor, if that's possible.

Hina said, I'd like to book - I would like to book - and then adds an appointment, please - I'd like to book an appointment, please. Let's hear that again, but this time, listen out for Hina's special request once she's agreed the day and time for her appointment. It shows that she thought about what she needed before she made her phone call.EXAMPLE

Bushy Hill Surgery?

Hello, I'd like to book an appointment, please.ReceptionistRight, we have Thursday morning at 10 or Friday afternoon at 3pm.

Thursday morning suits me and I'd prefer to see a lady doctor, if that's possible.

Hina decided that she wanted to see a female or a woman doctor, so she said, I'd prefer to see a lady doctor, if that's possible.EXAMPLEHinaThursday morning suits me and I'd prefer to see a lady doctor, if that's possible.YvonneLike the word please, adding if that's possible is also a simple and polite way to soften a request, and that probably encourages the receptionist or the person we're booking an appointment with to be even more helpful!Next, Finn has a terrible toothache and wants to make an appointment with the dentist. Again, we hear the same key phrase plus an appointment being used. But what special request does Finn have and how does he make it sound polite?

EXAMPLEReceptionistGood morning, Northern Dental Surgery.FinnOh hello there. I've got a toothache and I'd like to book an appointment to see the dentist today, if you can.ReceptionistHmmm, we're kind of booked up today - oh, actually, we could squeeze you in at 5.