How to Dial an Extension in Standard American English
When placing a phone call, you may need to dial an extension to reach a specific person or department within a company or organization. The extension is a short number that is added to the main phone number. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to dial an extension in Standard American English:
Step 1: Dial the main phone number
Dial the main phone number for the company or organization you are calling. This number can usually be found on their website, business card, or other marketing materials.
Step 2: Listen for the automated attendant
Once you have dialed the main phone number, you will likely hear an automated attendant. This is a computerized voice that will provide you with options for how to connect to the person or department you are trying to reach.
Step 3: Say "Dial by extension"
When the automated attendant asks you how you would like to connect, say "Dial by extension." You may also hear other options such as "Dial by name" or "Dial by department." If you are unsure which option to choose, you can always ask the automated attendant for help.
Step 4: Enter the extension number
Once you have selected the "Dial by extension" option, the automated attendant will ask you to enter the extension number. Enter the extension number using the keypad on your phone. Do not include any dashes or spaces.
Step 5: Press the "#" key
After you have entered the extension number, press the "#" key on your phone. This will connect you to the person or department associated with that extension.
Here is an example of how to dial an extension:
- Main phone number: (123) 456-7890
- Extension number: 1234
To dial this extension, you would dial:
- (123) 456-7890
- Say "Dial by extension"
- Enter 1234
- Press "#"
Tips for dialing an extension:
- If you are not sure what the extension number is, you can ask the automated attendant or consult the company or organization’s website.
- If you make a mistake while entering the extension number, you can press the "*" key to clear your entry and start over.
- If you cannot reach the person or department you are trying to reach, you can hang up and try again later.
Dialing Extensions in the Workplace
In the workplace, it is important to know how to dial extensions in order to reach your colleagues and other departments. Here are some tips for dialing extensions in the workplace:
- When dialing an extension from your desk phone, you may need to dial "9" before the extension number. This is known as the "dial tone prefix."
- If you are calling from outside the company, you will need to dial the main phone number and then enter the extension number.
- If you are not sure what the extension number is, you can ask your receptionist or consult the company directory.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is an extension?
A: An extension is a short number that is added to the main phone number in order to reach a specific person or department within a company or organization.
Q: How do I dial an extension?
A: To dial an extension, dial the main phone number and then enter the extension number. Do not include any dashes or spaces. After you have entered the extension number, press the "#" key on your phone.
Q: What do I do if I make a mistake while entering the extension number?
A: If you make a mistake while entering the extension number, you can press the "*" key to clear your entry and start over.
Q: What do I do if I cannot reach the person or department I am trying to reach?
A: If you cannot reach the person or department you are trying to reach, you can hang up and try again later. You can also try calling the main phone number and asking the receptionist for assistance.
Q: How do I dial an extension from my desk phone?
A: When dialing an extension from your desk phone, you may need to dial "9" before the extension number. This is known as the "dial tone prefix."
Q: How do I dial an extension from outside the company?
A: If you are calling from outside the company, you will need to dial the main phone number and then enter the extension number.
Q: What do I do if I do not know the extension number?
A: If you do not know the extension number, you can ask your receptionist or consult the company directory.
