How to Say Goodbye on the Phone

You are on the phone. The talk is finished. But how do you stop? In English, you do not just say goodbye. There is a small dance first.

First, you say “okay.” This means: the talk is nearly done. Then the other person says “okay” too. Now you both know.

Next, you say something nice. “Okay, talk soon.” Or “okay, see you.” This is the warm part.

Then you say “okay” again. Yes, again! “Okay, bye.” The other person says, “Okay, bye-bye.”

Sometimes you say “okay” three or four times. “Okay. Okay. Okay, bye!” This is normal. This is not strange.

So here is the rule for the telephone. To say goodbye, first say “okay” — many times. Then, at last, you can put down the phone.