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Business English Podcast · Phone & Video Calls · Episode 13

Giving a Concise Project Update on Voicemail

A short, structured project update left on voicemail — and on the callback, the question of why "Handy" is not English.

B2 · Dialogue · 4 Min. · free

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Editorially reviewed by James Simmonds – English teacher since 2004Published

SceneMarkus cannot reach Sabine and leaves a tight three-point update on her voicemail: testing done, one small bug, go-live unchanged. Later Sabine calls back — with a language question.
0:00 / 4 Min.

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

✓ To the comprehension test
Markus — Project manager, Berlin officeSabine — Department head, Nordwind Consulting

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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 leave a message
to record a spoken message when someone does not answer
She is not in the office — would you like to leave a message?
after the beep
once the answering machine tone has sounded
Please state your name and number after the beep.
to get back to someone
to return a call or reply to someone later
I'm in a meeting — I'll get back to you this afternoon.
ahead of schedule
earlier than planned
The construction work finished two weeks ahead of schedule.
go-live
the date a new system officially starts being used
The go-live is planned for the fifteenth of next month.
buffer
extra time kept in reserve in case something goes wrong
We have two days of buffer before the deadline.
in writing
in written, documented form
Could you confirm the change in writing, please?
mobile phone
a portable telephone — never a "handy" in English
You can reach me on my mobile phone until six.

Language notes

In this episode a project manager leaves a short, structured project update on voicemail in English — and on the callback he explains why "Handy" is not an English word. You learn the structure of a professional voicemail and eight key phrases (level B2).

The structure of a professional voicemail

Markus follows the four-step standard: who is calling ("it's Markus Feldmann from the Berlin office"), when ("it's Tuesday, ten past four"), why ("a quick project update") and then numbered points: "first … second … third". He closes with his availability ("you can reach me on my mobile until six o'clock"). That way the listener can hear the message once and forward it — no follow-up questions needed.

Brevity as politeness: voicemail cultures compared

In English-speaking business life, short is polite. A sixty-second, clearly structured message ("short and sweet") respects the other person's time more than a long monologue. German voicemail habits lean towards more detail and hedging — in English that quickly sounds like noise. What matters is the headline first: "testing done, one small bug, go-live unchanged".

"Handy" is not English

The ultimate pseudo-anglicism: "Handy" only exists in German. The British say "mobile" or "mobile phone", Americans tend to say "cell phone". The English adjective "handy" means "useful": "This app is really handy." A related trap: "I'll get back to you" is the natural callback formula on the phone — the literal translation "I come back to you" sounds like a threat.

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

Frequently asked questions

What language level is this episode for?

Level B2 (CEFR). The dialogue uses natural project English with a clear structure; the vocabulary list explains all eight key phrases bilingually.

How do I structure an English voicemail?

In four steps: name and company ("it's … from …"), date and time, the reason for calling in one sentence, then a maximum of three numbered points ("first … second … third"). Close with your availability ("you can reach me on my mobile until …"). Total length: under a minute.

Is it "handy" or "mobile"?

"Mobile" (British) or "cell phone" (American). "Handy" is a German pseudo-anglicism; the English adjective "handy" means "useful". So your phone is a "mobile" that can also be "handy".

Where can I practise making phone calls in English live?

In the online business English courses from Simmonds Language Services: live lessons with real teachers on Zoom, for companies and individuals across Germany. Book a free consultation at englisch-lehrer.com/online — we will find the right course format for your goals.

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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