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How to Call Customer Support in English

Download the free PDF worksheet for this lesson here: https://speakenglishwithvanessa.ck.page/f696b65a56

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Vanessa walks learners through a customer-support call about a photo scanner that makes an unusual sound. The lesson is useful for callers who need to explain a technical problem and for support workers who want to respond clearly. It introduces language for navigating automated phone menus, waiting, describing what has already been tested, and discussing possible solutions.

“Be on hold” means wait on the phone while the company has not yet connected you with an agent. An automated message may ask callers to press a number for technical support or enter an extension. Vanessa notes that these menus can be frustrating, especially when a caller misses an option. The phrase “press one” is a direct instruction, while an agent can keep the conversation friendlier by explaining each step.

When describing troubleshooting, “test out” means try something to see whether it works. The caller explains that she tested a couple of things before calling. “Double-check” means check again to make sure something is correct. The agent uses it collaboratively, rather than implying that the caller made a foolish mistake. “I believe so” is a cautious affirmative answer when the speaker thinks something is true but wants to leave room for uncertainty.

The lesson also uses “in case that doesn’t work out” to introduce a backup plan. The caller can try a new driver and use the warranty if the solution fails. “Happy to help” is a warm service expression that closes a support exchange politely. Each phrase contributes to a calm, cooperative tone and helps both people focus on solving the problem.

To practise, state the device and symptom, explain what you have already tried, and ask one focused question at a time. Confirm details without sounding accusatory, and listen for whether the agent is suggesting a test or a permanent fix. These phrases help learners participate in a practical service call while remaining polite and clear.

S2.1
Speak English With VanessaAmerican English23:10

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Transcript

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Select an expression for its meaning · 0:00

Introduces a support call and the frustration of waiting.

Vanessa Hi I'm Vanessa from SpeakEnglishWithVanessa com Have you ever had to call customer support and hated it Let's talk about it This past Christmas I bought my mom this photo scanner for Christmas She could save all of our old childhood photographs but there is a problem It makes a really strange sound I've been delaying calling customer support for so many months I feel so bad that I've put it

Try it: Imagine a device is not working. Choose one phrase to explain what you tried or respond politely to a support agent.

Phrase cheat sheet

All phrases at a glance

Review each expression, hear it, save it, or jump to where it appears in the video.

6 phrases

be on hold

Introduces a support call and the frustration of waiting. · expression

Wait on the phone before a person answers or while a call is transferred.

Tone and use: Common customer-service phrase. Use it to describe waiting during a phone call.

May not fit: It refers to the call status, not physically holding a phone.

Example“I was on hold for ten minutes before reaching an agent.”

test out

Describes explaining the issue and testing possible causes. · expression

Try something to find out whether it works or is suitable.

Tone and use: Common phrasal verb. Use it when experimenting with a device, feature, or possible solution.

May not fit: It describes a trial, not proof that the solution will work permanently.

Example“We tested out a different cable to see if it fixed the issue.”

double-check

Practises trying out solutions and checking details. · expression

Check something again to confirm that it is correct.

Tone and use: Polite and collaborative. Use it to verify details or prevent an error.

May not fit: It does not necessarily imply that someone was careless.

Example“Let’s double-check the account number before submitting it.”

I believe so

Practises trying out solutions and checking details. · expression

I think that is true, though I am not completely certain.

Tone and use: Polite and cautious. Use it for a tentative yes when you have some uncertainty.

May not fit: Do not use it when certainty is essential; verify important facts.

Example“I believe so, but I’ll confirm the appointment time.”

happy to help

Offers alternate solutions, warranty language, and a support agent’s response. · expression

Glad or willing to provide assistance.

Tone and use: Warm, professional-friendly. Use it when acknowledging or offering help.

May not fit: It can sound formulaic if the speaker does not follow through.

Example“Thanks for calling—I’m happy to help.”

in case that doesn’t work out

Offers alternate solutions, warranty language, and a support agent’s response. · expression

As a backup if the current plan is unsuccessful.

Tone and use: Common planning phrase. Use it to introduce an alternative plan.

May not fit: State the backup clearly so the listener knows what happens next.

Example“Save a copy in case the transfer doesn’t work out.”

Knowledge check

Practice the phrases you heard

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What it means · “be on hold”

If a customer is on hold, what are they doing?