Mr Petrov: Congratulations on the arrival of your son. My wife and I were delighted to hear the good news and especially to know that Jenny and your son are both well.
Mr Hailey: Thank you very much, Nick. You can’t imagine how happy I am.
Mr Petrov: You are sure to make a wonderful father, but don’t get too excited about it.
Mr Hailey: I can’t help it. I’m brimming over with joy and happiness[13]. You know how it feels to become a father.
Mr Petrov: Congratulations again, and please give them to Jenny when you see her, from both of us. Good-bye.
Mr Hailey: Thanks, Nick. Bye.
EXERCISES
I. Read the dialogues and reproduce them paying attention to telephone phrases.
II. What would you say on the phone in reply to these remarks and questions?
1. I’m happy to offer you my hearty congratulations on your promotion. 2. You can’t imagine how happy I am. My wife has borne me a son. 3. I’m so sorry you couldn’t come to our wedding. 4. Many happy returns of the day, Nick. 5. My wife has been seriously ill. But now she is out of danger. She managed to pull through her illness. 6. I’m calling to convey our congratulations on your successful completion of the project. 7. Accept my best wishes for your future career.
III. In what situations would you say the following?
1. You have other fish to fry. 2. I hope that our productive cooperation will continue. 3. Please accept my best wishes. 4. It’s so considerate of you to send me your congratulations. 5. I am sure you’ll make a wonderful father. 6. He’s brimming over with joy and happiness. 7. Convey my hearty congratulations to your wife. 8. I’m delighted to hear that your wife and new-born baby are well.
IV. Convey congratulations by phone:
1. to your colleague who has been promoted; 2. to your counterpart who has got married; 3. to the director of the company on the successful completion of the project; the equipment for the project has been delivered by this company; 4. to your American friend who has become a father; 5. to your African colleagues on their National Holiday.
1. Discussing Business
Mr Ross: Could I speak to Mr Frolov, please?
Mr Frolov: Speaking.
Mr Ross: Good morning, Mr Frolov. This is Ross. I work with the U.N. in the Development Programme[14].
Mr Frolov: That is my field, too.
Mr Ross: That’s why I am calling you, Mr Frolov.
Mr Frolov: Is there anything I can do for you?
Mr Ross: I read your articles on technical assistance and find them excellent.
