How do you answer the phone?

Question

This is what I mean:

*phone rings*
You: Hello? (Or some variant.)
Person: Hi, may I speak to *insert your name here*
You: Speaking.
Person: This is *insert name here* from the doctor's office.

And what do you say after that? Sometimes, I don't respond and they think I'm not there. Other times, I just say hello again, but then I feel really lame. So, um, what the heck are you supposed to say?!

Answer 1

hello. kinsa ni

Answer 2

If it's someone I speak to on a regular basis I would say "hi, how are you". If not I do just say hi again. I don't think it's big deal.

Answer 3

It's up to the person who called to continue the conversation, but you could always say yes.

Answer 4

*phone rings* I answer : HELLO
Person: Hi, may I speak to *insert name*
I answer: This is she (or) speaking
Person: This is *insert name* from the doctor's office.
I answer: It is!! (or) Oh! Hi

I would consider MOST any response acceptable. No answer might be considered rude.

Answer 5

I would just say yes and the person will continue with their
message.

Answer 6

Hi, How are you? What can I do for you.

Answer 7

I always make some sort of noise because as you said they think you are not there....usually I just say "Okay" or "allright"...it's kinda' like acknowledging that they just identified themselves to you.

Answer 8

If I know them..."What are you doing"?
If I don't I just say "hello" and wait until they state their purpose.

Answer 9

I say "Yes" or "okay" or "uh huh" here, just so they know I'm still there.

Answer 10

I would say hi again, or maybe "Hi, how are you?"