asking who somebody is on the telephone (American English)

I think it's "Who's this speaking?", but generally why don't you just say "Who's this?".

ElevenTatticI think it's "Who's this speaking?", but generally why don't you just say "Who's this?".

"Who's that speaking?" is BrE. Correct me if I'm wrong.

'Who's speaking' is British English.

I'm going to say "Who's speaking?" But normally, when someone picks up the phone, s/he will say their name. ^^

If I'm the person who has received the call, and the person didn't identify themselves, I'd say "Who is this?" (if it seemed they were a solicitor) or "Who's calling, please" if they were polite but didn't identify themselves.

If I'm the person making the call, I would never ask this. I'm supposed to know who I've called. I would simply ask for the person I was trying to rea

By the way: There are different manners for each country.

What do the Americans first say when they pick up the phone?

Hello? (at home)

At work, I answer using my name

What do the Americans first say when they pick up the phone?

Surprise, surprise! There's a dial tone today!

And at the end of a phone call do you say: bye?

Yes. Good-bye (often with silent d) or Bye.
On personal calls to a friend, maybe: Talk to you later.

CJ