I have noticed....

08.06.08, 20:15
that English phone don't tend to introduce themselves on the phone .
Maybe it is another 'culture difference'?
I was taught in Poland that when phone Bank,council,...... someone's
private number ( except friends, family) I should introduce myself.

People here just phone and ask "May I speak to ..." But I always
think: whom are you? Shouldn't you introduce yourself?

    • Gość: ania Re: I have noticed.... IP: 78.150.63.* 08.06.08, 22:32
      yes you are absolutely right, every time i pick up the reciever i
      hear "can i speak to..." or "is XX there" but never hear anyone
      introducing himself, for us Poles it is sooo obvious to say "good
      afternoon, XX speaking, can i speak to..."

      • jonathan.oakley Re: I have noticed.... 08.06.08, 22:57
        In 2006 Skpe conducted a survey - 'Talk for Britain' - and
        discovered that 75% of people surveyed admitted to talking to family
        and friends while on the toilet; 17% confessed to having fallen
        asleep while chatting on their mobiles! If I make a business call I
        always introduce myself as I believe that is the proper etiquette.
        • 10iwonka10 Re: I have noticed.... 10.06.08, 09:20
          >>>>>discovered that 75% of people surveyed admitted to talking to
          family and friends while on the toilet; 17% confessed to having
          fallen asleep while chatting on their mobiles!>>>>

          A bit rude :-)It reminds me 'peep show'there was one episode when
          boyfriend finished off with his girlfriend -on the phone- when
          sitting on the toilet.

          But it is strange as we Polish usually assume that all good manners
          come form traditional- well mannered Britons but it is not always a
          case.



          • jonathan.oakley Re: I have noticed.... 10.06.08, 13:17
            as an aside, I sometimes think the English can over compensate with
            niceness an example being (and this is very polite) to eat peas by
            pressing them against the reverse side of your fork!
    • Gość: polishhamster Re: I have noticed.... IP: 62.69.217.* 11.06.08, 16:01
      Yes, you're right, but I think a (social) phone call goes like this:
      A (answers): 4993940 / Hello?
      B: Oh, hello, is Jonathan there?
      A: Yes, I'll just get him. Who's calling?
      B: It's Pete.
      A: Hang on.....sorry, he isn't in... can I take a message?
      B: No, it's OK, I'll try him on his mobile again.

      ...

      And at work:
      A: Good morning, Webster & Sons
      B: Oh, hello, could I speak to Mr Smith, please?
      A: I'm afraid he's in a meeting at the moment. Can I take a message?
      B: Yes, could you tell him that Peter Jones called? It's not urgent.
      A: Certainly.

      ...

      I think you're right in that in Poland you should introduce yourself and in the
      UK it isn't necessary, but you should then remember to ASK who's calling!! It's
      the same with messages... in the UK the receiver of the call usually asks 'can I
      take a message' whereas in Poland the caller usually asks to leave a message.
      • jonathan.oakley Re: I have noticed.... 12.06.08, 13:23
        I hope to be in Warsaw sometime (I want to see the plastic palm tree)
        in July so I will let you know my tele-con experiences..
        • 10iwonka10 Re: I have noticed.... 12.06.08, 14:30
          differences...differences..... But also noticed
          another 'difference'.to be 1:1 draw as this one is positive for
          England.

          Last year I went to notary office in Krakow to ask about something.
          Woman tehre talked with me standing near the door. I found it a bit
          rude . In the end as potential client and I can bring her some
          business and income. I think that in England in similar situation I
          would be asked to sit down and someone wouldhave a chat we me.
          • jonathan.oakley Re: I have noticed.... 12.06.08, 19:00
            Yes, in all probability you would be invited to sit down if you
            opened the dialogue with the right attitude/intro.

            But please tell me what you mean below:
            "differences...differences..... But also noticed
            > another 'difference'.to be 1:1 draw as this one is positive for
            > England."
            BTW:- I am supporting Poland tonight...I think they have a good
            chance to win. Lets hope so!
            • 10iwonka10 Re: I have noticed.... 12.06.08, 19:28
              It related to the beginning of this e-mail and my little moan about
              English not introducing themselves on the phone. So it was minus for
              England. But Polish show less manners in offcial situation
              (Notary, solicitors..) so it is minues for us now. I used a bit of
              metaphor - minus for you minus for us - result: draw.

              I should support our team today but we have lost rather badly with
              Germany. Not so good beginning.
              • jonathan.oakley Re: I have noticed.... 12.06.08, 20:01
                I see! Yes, these days a draw for England is a bonus!

                I think Poland will win. :)
                • Gość: polishhamster Re: I have noticed.... IP: *.chello.pl 12.06.08, 23:50
                  bad luck...English referee!!!
                  • jonathan.oakley Re: I have noticed.... 14.06.08, 20:27
                    I know...!!!
                    • 10iwonka10 Re: I have noticed.... 14.06.08, 22:03
                      We don't do very well. I think it is the lack of drive...
                      confidence.....
                      • jonathan.oakley Re: I have noticed.... 15.06.08, 15:58
                        at least you qualified...unlike England..I think having the right
                        mind set is vital..this would include having high standards and
                        aims...everything is then possible..Poland, like England have
                        done...need to have (in my opinion) a complete re-think. :)
                        • 10iwonka10 Re: I have noticed.... 16.06.08, 22:36
                          You have at least good excuse....Rooney wedding :-)))) too busy....
                          • jonathan.oakley Re: I have noticed.... 16.06.08, 23:09
                            HA! And probably a lot more entertaining too!
                            • 10iwonka10 Re: I have noticed.... 21.06.08, 23:01
                              I think that English footballers are overpaid so they are too busy
                              with spending money and picking up girls in clubs instead of
                              concentrating on playing football.
                              • jonathan.oakley Re: I have noticed.... 21.06.08, 23:54
                                Nothing that a good manager can't sort out. As for the wages it all
                                started when an English guy - Jimmy Hill - managed to get the
                                abolition in 1961 of football's maximum wage...£20 per week!! The
                                Clubs choose to pay 'high' wages; the players' agents keep the
                                bubble expanding and the public supply the demand... we can't blame
                                the players for taking what's on offer... though how some of them
                                conduct themselves off-pitch is another matter. :)
                                • 10iwonka10 Re: I have noticed.... 22.06.08, 19:40
                                  Thinking about it you never hear much about problems with rughby-
                                  players...

                                  >>>>we can't blame the players for taking what's on offer>>> that is
                                  true but it puts a bit upside-down ethical value of work-salary-
                                  money.

                                  Hard working, educated surgeon who saves someone's life every day
                                  earns less than Rooney who is just good at football and whose every
                                  second word is f.....
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