Please have the telephone number that you wish to call ready in advance. If you would like to request a Communications Assistant of a specific gender, please make that request when the operator answers your call. Then give the name of the Federal agency you are calling from and/or to. Voice users should speak clearly and at a moderate speed. Direct your conversation to the party you are calling as if the CA were absent.

Incorrect: Hello, Communication Assistant. Please tell Jim the meeting is at two this afternoon. Can he come? GA. (Go Ahead).

Correct: Hello, Jim. The meeting is at two this afternoon. Can you come? GA. (Go Ahead).

The CA is required to relay everything that you type or speak and will also relay all background noises. For example, a fire alarm ringing in the background will be relayed. (Please note: all abbreviations used are listed on the back cover of the directory.)