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.
Tip: listen to the episode twice before you start the test. · Worksheet (PDF)
✓ To the comprehension testYou may also like
Comprehension test
Listen first, then answer. No penalties — every explanation points to the moment in the conversation.
Yes, of course — the best number is my handy… sorry, my ___.
Could you ___ your surname for me, please? The line is a little quiet.
Transcript
Key phrases
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.