I agree with you that "who is this" can sound challenging with the wrong tone of voice (or right tone, if that's what you're going for). I generally say it in a friendly tone so that the caller doesn't infer I am being rude. I just hate using phrases that might simply be more "gracious" as opposed to more efficient wordage to what I am asking.
I'm guessing that your task in answering the phone for your boss is not to do so in the most efficient way


If you are from Betelgeuse, please have one of your Earth friends read what I've written before you respond. Or try concentrating harder.
"The trophy problem has become extreme."
"The trophy problem has become extreme."
.
22/09/2010 08:19:28 PM
- 1577 Views
I think "May I ask who's calling" is more polite.
22/09/2010 08:26:55 PM
- 999 Views
Re: May I ask who's calling / Who is this?
22/09/2010 08:33:24 PM
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.
22/09/2010 08:38:45 PM
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Well, the whole asking permission bit is part of being polite.
*NM*
22/09/2010 09:05:43 PM
- 429 Views

I say, "May I ask who's calling?"
22/09/2010 09:00:10 PM
- 1008 Views
What do you do if they say "No" ?
22/09/2010 09:43:42 PM
- 952 Views
Than you say. ''Ok." They may have a reason for not disclosing their name.
22/09/2010 09:49:56 PM
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That reason is often that they are nutters.
22/09/2010 10:29:19 PM
- 1074 Views
I hate it when people pull the "attorney-client privilege" thing.
22/09/2010 11:31:01 PM
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Ah, you mean because they want to sell my boss storm windows or vinyl siding. *NM*
22/09/2010 10:30:15 PM
- 465 Views
I'm of the opinion that when you are at work, you represent your employer
22/09/2010 09:14:58 PM
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Re: I'm of the opinion that when you are at work, you represent your employer
22/09/2010 09:42:29 PM
- 1094 Views
I typically say something along the lines of "And who am I speaking to?"
22/09/2010 09:27:05 PM
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Re: I typically say something along the lines of "And who am I speaking to?"
22/09/2010 09:40:10 PM
- 1105 Views
language games.....
22/09/2010 09:42:35 PM
- 997 Views
There would be apoplectic outcries if I answered the phone in such a way
22/09/2010 09:45:56 PM
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Who is this? is unprofessional
22/09/2010 09:45:05 PM
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Re: Who is this? is unprofessional
22/09/2010 09:48:58 PM
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Re: Who is this? is unprofessional
22/09/2010 09:54:13 PM
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You don’t have to transfer for them if they refuse but you should still ask politely
22/09/2010 10:31:55 PM
- 1058 Views
I usually say, "B*tch, who you be!?"
22/09/2010 10:13:57 PM
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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
- 960 Views
Please stop splitting hairs. You're way is simply inccorrect. You cannot justify the rudeness away.
22/09/2010 10:49:05 PM
- 1107 Views
when someone asks me "may I ask who's calling?"...
23/09/2010 03:29:30 AM
- 921 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
- 500 Views