1
general::
Phrase(s): Could I speak to someone? [and] Can I speak to someone?; May I speak to someone?
the phrase used to request to talk to a particular person, usually on the telephone. (Also used with talk in place of speak.) • Tom (answering the phone): Good morning, Acme Air Products. With whom do you wish to speak? Bill: Can I speak to Mr. Wilson? Tom: One moment. • Sally: May I speak to the manager, please? Clerk: Certainly, madam. I’m the manager.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs