Handling a Call with a Poor Connection
The line is crackling and every second word is missing — how to rescue a phone call in English without losing the thread.
Tip: listen to the episode twice before you start the test. · Worksheet (PDF)
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Comprehension test
Listen first, then answer. No penalties — every explanation points to the moment in the conversation.
I'll call you back on my ___ in two minutes.
Sorry, we got ___ off. Where were we?
Transcript
Key phrases
Language notes
In this episode an account manager shows how to rescue a call with a poor connection: naming the problem politely, asking for repetition, offering to call back, and summarising what was agreed. You learn the eight key phone phrases in English (level B1) — and why "Handy" is not an English word.
Naming the problem instead of guessing on
On a bad line, many learners prefer to guess what was said rather than ask — afraid of seeming rude. In English the opposite is true: "I'm sorry, the line is very bad. You're breaking up" is completely normal and professional. Then comes the concrete request: "Could you repeat that, please?" or "Could you speak up a little?" Asking shows the call matters to you.
The "Handy" trap
"Handy" is a German invention — in English it exists only as an adjective meaning "practical, useful": "a handy tool". Say "I'll call you back on my handy" and your English customer hears something like "on my practical one". Correct: "mobile" or "mobile phone" in Britain, "cell phone" in the US. Texting has its own verb too: "to text someone" — "I'll text you the number".
After the drop: continue, then summarise
If the call drops completely, the simple rule is: the person who called calls back. Re-entry takes two short sentences: "Sorry, we got cut off. Where were we?" And every disrupted call should end with a summary: "So, just to confirm: I'll send the offer today, and we'll speak again on Thursday." That way both sides leave with the same understanding despite the noise — when in doubt, follow up with the points by email.
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 monologue uses clear telephone English with distinct pronunciation; the vocabulary list explains all eight key phrases bilingually.
What do I say in English when the connection is bad?
Three steps: name the problem ("The line is very bad — you're breaking up"), ask for repetition ("Could you repeat that, please?") and offer to call back ("Shall I call you back on a different line?").
Is a mobile phone really not called a "handy" in English?
No. In English "handy" is an adjective meaning practical or useful. The phone is a "mobile" / "mobile phone" (UK) or "cell phone" (US).
Where can I practise these phrases 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 — since 2004. Start 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.