Simmonds Language Services
Business English Podcast · Phone & Video Calls · Episode 03

Asking Someone to Spell Their Name on the Phone

A tricky surname on the phone — how to ask for spelling in English and check numbers correctly.

B1 · Dialogue · 3 Min. · free

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Editorially reviewed by James Simmonds – English teacher since 2004Published

SceneJoanna Kowalczyk calls Weber Consulting to arrange a meeting. Receptionist Ben has to note her name and number correctly — spelling, checking, reading back.
0:00 / 3 Min.

Tip: listen to the episode twice before you start the test. · Worksheet (PDF)

✓ To the comprehension test
Ben — Receptionist, Weber ConsultingJoanna — Caller, Delta Logistics

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Transcript

The full transcript opens after the comprehension test — so you train real listening instead of reading along.

Key phrases

to spell
to say a word letter by letter
Could you spell your surname for me, please?
surname
family name, last name
Please write your surname in capital letters.
C for Charlie
letter check using the international spelling alphabet
My name starts with B for Bravo, not P for Papa.
to read something back
to repeat information aloud to check it
Let me read the order number back to you.
mobile
mobile phone (UK); Americans say "cell phone"
You can reach me on my mobile after six.
to put someone down for
to reserve a slot or appointment for someone
I'll put you down for Thursday at two.
confirmation
a message confirming an agreement or booking
You will receive a confirmation by email.
to arrange a meeting
to organise and agree a meeting
I'd like to arrange a meeting with your sales team.

Language notes

In this episode a receptionist takes down a tricky surname and a mobile number on the phone: asking for spelling, checking letters with the spelling alphabet, reading numbers back. You learn the phone tools for error-free data — and why "Handy" is not an English word (level B1).

Spelling with a system: C for Charlie

On the phone many English letters sound almost identical: B/P, M/N, S/F. Professionals therefore check with the international spelling alphabet: "Was that C for Charlie or S for Sierra?" You do not need all 26 words by heart — the common confusion pairs are enough: B for Bravo, P for Papa, M for Mike, N for November, S for Sierra, F for Foxtrot. What matters is the structure "letter + for + word", which every English speaker instantly understands.

The "Handy" is a mobile — "handy" means practical

Joanna catches herself: "my handy… sorry, my mobile." "Handy" is a German invention — in English it is an adjective meaning "practical" ("a handy tool"). The phone is a "mobile" or "mobile phone" in the UK and a "cell phone" in the US. Tell an English client "I'll call you on my handy" and you produce confusion at best, a smile at worst. The number, accordingly, is your "mobile number".

Securing numbers: read back and double five

Ben's technique "Let me read that back to you" is the gold standard for phone numbers, order numbers and amounts: note it down, repeat it aloud, then have it confirmed ("Is that correct?"). Note two conventions of spoken English numbers too: zero is often pronounced "oh" on the phone, and repeated digits are bundled — "five-five" becomes "double five". Understand both, use both.

Keep practising: Learn business English online — with real teachers from Simmonds, since 2004.

Frequently asked questions

What language level is this episode for?

Level B1 (CEFR). The phone call uses clear, unhurried business English; the vocabulary list explains all eight key phrases bilingually.

How do I ask for spelling in English?

With "Could you spell your surname for me, please?" Check unclear letters with the spelling alphabet: "Was that C for Charlie or S for Sierra?" Then read everything back.

Is "Handy" really not English?

Correct: "Handy" is pseudo-English. The device is a "mobile (phone)" in the UK and a "cell phone" in the US. The English adjective "handy" means "practical".

Where can I practise phone calls in English live?

In the online business English courses from Simmonds Language Services (englisch-lehrer.com/online): live lessons with real teachers on Zoom, for companies and individuals across Germany — starting with a free consultation.

Are the voices real?

Episodes are produced with high-quality AI voices (Hume) and editorially reviewed by our trainer team — the same method as our interactive lessons.

Want to practise these phrases in a real conversation?

The podcast trains your ear — in our online lessons you practise the conversation yourself, with real teachers. For companies across Germany since 2004.

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