I agree with you that "who is this" can sound challenging with the wrong tone of voice (or right tone, if that's what you're going for). I generally say it in a friendly tone so that the caller doesn't infer I am being rude. I just hate using phrases that might simply be more "gracious" as opposed to more efficient wordage to what I am asking.
I'm guessing that your task in answering the phone for your boss is not to do so in the most efficient way
An answering machine or system would handle that. Being gracious to his callers is probably something he really wants from whoever is answering the phone for him, even if it takes more words 
If you are from Betelgeuse, please have one of your Earth friends read what I've written before you respond. Or try concentrating harder.
"The trophy problem has become extreme."
"The trophy problem has become extreme."
.
- 22/09/2010 08:19:28 PM
1664 Views
I think "May I ask who's calling" is more polite.
- 22/09/2010 08:26:55 PM
1089 Views
Re: May I ask who's calling / Who is this?
- 22/09/2010 08:33:24 PM
1116 Views
.
- 22/09/2010 08:38:45 PM
982 Views
Well, the whole asking permission bit is part of being polite.
*NM*
- 22/09/2010 09:05:43 PM
472 Views
*NM*
- 22/09/2010 09:05:43 PM
472 Views
I say, "May I ask who's calling?"
- 22/09/2010 09:00:10 PM
1086 Views
What do you do if they say "No" ?
- 22/09/2010 09:43:42 PM
1030 Views
Than you say. ''Ok." They may have a reason for not disclosing their name.
- 22/09/2010 09:49:56 PM
1052 Views
That reason is often that they are nutters.
- 22/09/2010 10:29:19 PM
1152 Views
I hate it when people pull the "attorney-client privilege" thing.
- 22/09/2010 11:31:01 PM
954 Views
Ah, you mean because they want to sell my boss storm windows or vinyl siding. *NM*
- 22/09/2010 10:30:15 PM
512 Views
I'm of the opinion that when you are at work, you represent your employer
- 22/09/2010 09:14:58 PM
1265 Views
Re: I'm of the opinion that when you are at work, you represent your employer
- 22/09/2010 09:42:29 PM
1223 Views
I typically say something along the lines of "And who am I speaking to?"
- 22/09/2010 09:27:05 PM
1187 Views
Re: I typically say something along the lines of "And who am I speaking to?"
- 22/09/2010 09:40:10 PM
1199 Views
language games.....
- 22/09/2010 09:42:35 PM
1077 Views
There would be apoplectic outcries if I answered the phone in such a way
- 22/09/2010 09:45:56 PM
1246 Views
Who is this? is unprofessional
- 22/09/2010 09:45:05 PM
1120 Views
Re: Who is this? is unprofessional
- 22/09/2010 09:48:58 PM
1290 Views
Re: Who is this? is unprofessional
- 22/09/2010 09:54:13 PM
1087 Views
You don’t have to transfer for them if they refuse but you should still ask politely
- 22/09/2010 10:31:55 PM
1154 Views
I usually say, "B*tch, who you be!?"
- 22/09/2010 10:13:57 PM
1069 Views
And I be all, like, sobbing and crying cause you're a rude jerk. And then you laugh at me some more
- 22/09/2010 10:33:38 PM
1058 Views
Please stop splitting hairs. You're way is simply inccorrect. You cannot justify the rudeness away.
- 22/09/2010 10:49:05 PM
1220 Views
when someone asks me "may I ask who's calling?"...
- 23/09/2010 03:29:30 AM
1027 Views
It's quite simple, really. Do you like getting paid? Then answer the phone the way your boss wants *NM*
- 24/09/2010 03:46:24 AM
540 Views

*NM*