This is Max Sherwood from Mercury Automobiles.
When you introduce yourself on the telephone, use "this is" + (given name + family name). Do NOT use "I am" in this situation. Also, remember that Western people say their given name before their family name.
Could I speak to Mr. Yamaguchi, please?
Can I take a message?
"Could I" + infinitive is used in this expression to ask permission for something. You can use "can I" in the same way, but "could I" is more polite. Also see "May I" below.
Other examples are:
Could I have your name, please?
Could I ask you to fax your report tomorrow?
Can I borrow your David Bowie CD?
Unfortunately, I've had to change my travel plans...
This is used to introduce bad news or an apology.
Other examples are:
Unfortunately, I won't be able to go skiing next weekend.
Unfortunately, the project venture was a failure.
I'd like to arrange another time.
In this is situation, "I'd like" + infinitive is a polite way of saying "I want" + infinitive. It is used for making polite requests.
Other examples are:
I'd like to arrange a meeting for next week, if possible.
I'd like to talk to you about last month's figures.
Could you have him call me when he gets back...
"Could you have him/her" + infinitive is used to make a polite indirect request. Mr. Sherwood wants Mr. Yamashita to ask Mr. Yamaguchi , who is out of the office, to return his call.
Other examples:
Could you have Ms. Matsushita send me the reports today?
Could you have her check last year's European sales figures?
May I have your name again, please?
This is used in the same way as "could I" + infinitive (see above), but in a more formal manner.
Other examples are:
May I have your e-mail address?
May I ask how much your computer cost?
"Could you" + infinitive is used in this expression to make a polite request. You can use "can you" in the same way, but "could you" is more polite.
Other examples are:
Could you repeat that, please?
Could you send me the information by e-mail?
This is used to check important information, such as names and telephone numbers. When you say the sentence, remember that the intonation rises at the end.
...and you'd like Mr. Yamaguchi to phone you as soon as possible to arrange another day.
If you want something done quickly, you can say this politely by using "as soon as possible" at the end of a sentence.
Other examples are:
I'd like you to send the data as soon as possible.
I think we should leave as soon as possible.