When answering the phone at home, remember that you are representing your family to the person calling. 

Answer the phone by saying either…
“Hello” or “Hello, Johnson residence,” substituting your family name for Johnson, obviously.

If it is family or a friend of the family who is calling, exchange pleasantries by asking them how they are doing or ask something about what they have been up to.

If the call is for someone else and you are not sure who it is, ask “May I tell her who is calling?” After they reply say, “Thank you.  Just a moment, please.” 

If it is a corded phone, set the phone down and find the person the phone call is for.  Don’t yell for them.  If it is a cordless phone, take the phone with you while you find the person.

If the person is busy and cannot talk, say, “I’m sorry. Mary cannot talk right now.  May I take a message?”

Do not let a caller know you are home alone.  Let them know that your parents cannot talk right now (it’s the truth) and offer to take a message.  “I’m sorry.  Mom cannot talk right now.  May I take a message?” would work just fine.

If you need to take a message for someone who is busy or not at home, include the following information:

• The caller’s first and last name
• The day and time
• Who they wanted to speak to
• Their phone number
• A specific message
• The best time to call back if they want their call returned

Leave the message in an agreed upon place so they are sure to get it.