Call 4

　　Call 4 is longer and it is therefore difficult to retain the message. One reason is that Colin includes unnecessary information (e.g. I’m traveling to a meeting with a client). The purpose of the call comes rather late and the sentences are very long, with more than one idea in each. It may be more helpful to leave his number at the end rather than near the beginning of the message. Once again, it may be helpful to say exactly when he rang.

　　Call 5

　　Once again, Call 5 is quite long. Steve uses many of the features of British English mentioned in the article: understanding (e.g. a little bit on the optimistic side), get used with different meanings (e.g. which I’ll get off to you today), and a generally idiomatic approach to language. Again, Colin could say when he called and give a telephone or extension number.

　　Taking messages

　　1. trade fair

　　2. S126 25

　　3. 3

　　4. Tuesday 23 / 23 November

　　5. (Kati) Gersel