A Conversation for How to Answer the Telephone in the UK
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Clive the flying ostrich: Amateur Polymath | Chief Heretic. Started conversation Jun 17, 2009
That's us. 
and for the reasons cited.
Is it really formal? Gosh. I had no idea. Just how it's always been done.
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Vip Posted Jun 17, 2009
Well, there's formal and there's formal, I suppose, but it's not *in*formal.
I like it myself, although I still use 'Hello?'.
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scorp Posted Jun 17, 2009
I think that it is a beautifully written piece Vip. The only thing I would say is that a few years ago, I attended one of the many secretarial conventions I used to go to; and we had a talk by a female police Inspector about answering the phone. She advised us never to answer with the number; as some wierdo may have dialled a number at random without actually knowing it; and when you answer with your number, they can keep it and then ring you again and again, making a real pain of themselves. Just a point of view; but I have always stuck by that advice and always use hello!
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Vip Posted Jun 17, 2009
Crickey, I'd've never thought of that! Scary!
Thanks for that!
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