Privacy is a BIG thing. You may not demand to know the caller's name. You may only politely inquire if you may breach their privacy by learning their name. And yes, you do need permission for that.
Good alternative include
"May I have your name?"
"What is your name, if you don't mind?" (more casual; I usually only say this way when I'm already taking down a message from them)
"May I tell him who's calling?"
Good alternative include
"May I have your name?"
"What is your name, if you don't mind?" (more casual; I usually only say this way when I'm already taking down a message from them)
"May I tell him who's calling?"
.
22/09/2010 08:19:28 PM
- 1616 Views
I think "May I ask who's calling" is more polite.
22/09/2010 08:26:55 PM
- 1041 Views
.
22/09/2010 08:31:17 PM
- 998 Views
Re: May I ask who's calling / Who is this?
22/09/2010 08:33:24 PM
- 1073 Views
.
22/09/2010 08:38:45 PM
- 908 Views
Well, the whole asking permission bit is part of being polite.
*NM*
22/09/2010 09:05:43 PM
- 445 Views

I say, "May I ask who's calling?"
22/09/2010 09:00:10 PM
- 1044 Views
What do you do if they say "No" ?
22/09/2010 09:43:42 PM
- 987 Views
Than you say. ''Ok." They may have a reason for not disclosing their name.
22/09/2010 09:49:56 PM
- 1002 Views
That reason is often that they are nutters.
22/09/2010 10:29:19 PM
- 1109 Views
I hate it when people pull the "attorney-client privilege" thing.
22/09/2010 11:31:01 PM
- 904 Views
Ah, you mean because they want to sell my boss storm windows or vinyl siding. *NM*
22/09/2010 10:30:15 PM
- 482 Views
I'm of the opinion that when you are at work, you represent your employer
22/09/2010 09:14:58 PM
- 1209 Views
Re: I'm of the opinion that when you are at work, you represent your employer
22/09/2010 09:42:29 PM
- 1158 Views
I typically say something along the lines of "And who am I speaking to?"
22/09/2010 09:27:05 PM
- 1138 Views
Re: I typically say something along the lines of "And who am I speaking to?"
22/09/2010 09:40:10 PM
- 1150 Views
language games.....
22/09/2010 09:42:35 PM
- 1033 Views
There would be apoplectic outcries if I answered the phone in such a way
22/09/2010 09:45:56 PM
- 1192 Views
Who is this? is unprofessional
22/09/2010 09:45:05 PM
- 1061 Views
Re: Who is this? is unprofessional
22/09/2010 09:48:58 PM
- 1237 Views
Re: Who is this? is unprofessional
22/09/2010 09:54:13 PM
- 1039 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
- 1101 Views
You are being silly and immature.
22/09/2010 09:49:20 PM
- 913 Views
I usually say, "B*tch, who you be!?"
22/09/2010 10:13:57 PM
- 1015 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
- 1001 Views
Please stop splitting hairs. You're way is simply inccorrect. You cannot justify the rudeness away.
22/09/2010 10:49:05 PM
- 1160 Views
when someone asks me "may I ask who's calling?"...
23/09/2010 03:29:30 AM
- 967 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
- 516 Views