Ever hung up the phone and remembered the one question you meant to ask? A little preparation can make everyday calls less stressful, especially when you’re sorting out a bill, booking a repair or helping an older relative. You don’t need to give ChatGPT any private information to practise.
Today’s small win: make a one-page call script and practise saying it aloud before you dial.
When this is useful
Try it before calling a utility provider about a confusing charge, a repair shop about a quote, a community centre about an activity or a business about a delivery. It can also help someone who finds phone conversations tiring, fast or hard to follow.
Five easy steps
- Write the reason for the call. Use a general description, such as “ask about a charge I don’t recognise”. Keep personal details out.
- Copy the prompt below into ChatGPT. Replace the two phrases in square brackets with the type of service and the general issue.
- Read the script aloud. Change any words that sound unnatural. Ask ChatGPT to make it shorter or use larger-print spacing if helpful.
- Practise once. Let ChatGPT play the person answering. You can type your replies or say them aloud yourself.
- Make the real call. Keep a pen nearby. Write down what the person actually says, any reference number they give you and what happens next. Keep that private note outside ChatGPT.
Copy-and-paste ChatGPT prompt
Help me practise a phone call in plain Australian English. I need to call a [TYPE OF BUSINESS OR SERVICE] about [GENERAL ISSUE]. Do not ask for my name, phone number, account number, address, date of birth or other private details. First, write a friendly opening sentence. Then give me three short questions to ask, a polite sentence for asking someone to repeat or explain something, and a closing sentence that confirms the next step. Next, role-play the call with me one reply at a time. Do not invent the organisation’s policies, fees, opening hours or promises. If something is unknown, remind me to ask the organisation directly. Keep everything short enough to read aloud.
Example: asking about a mystery charge
Imagine a person notices an unfamiliar charge on a household bill. This is a fictional example, not a real customer’s experience. They could start with: “Hello, I’m calling because there’s a charge on my bill that I don’t understand. Could you please explain what it’s for?”
Their questions might be: “What does this charge cover?” “Where can I see the explanation in writing?” and “What are my options if I think there’s a mistake?” If the explanation is too fast, they can say: “Could you please say that again more slowly?”
Before hanging up: “Just to check I’ve understood, the next step is [repeat what the staff member actually said]. Is that right?” ChatGPT can help rehearse the words, but only the provider can confirm its real fees, policies or next steps.
A few important privacy and safety checks
Don’t paste account numbers, bills with personal details, passwords, Medicare details or private conversations into ChatGPT. If you need to verify an unexpected bill or suspicious request, contact the organisation using a number from its official website or a statement you already trust, not a number in a suspicious message. Never give passwords or one-time security codes to a caller. If money, legal rights or health are involved, check the advice with the relevant provider or qualified professional.
Make it easier for an older relative
Ask for a version with large, clear headings and just one sentence per line. You can print it or write it on a card. Offer to practise together, but let the person decide what they want to say and whether they want help on the real call.
Keep learning for free
Find more beginner-friendly prompts in our Free AI Resources library. No technical background required.
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