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I have registered to take an online exam, and I need to go to a test center to take that exam. The question is, what's the appropriate way to talk naturally to the receptionist there and inform him or her about my reservation?
Hi, I have made a reservation for 8:30 to take xxx exam.
Hi, I have made a reservation to take xxx exam at 8:30.
Hi, I have an 8:30 reservation to take xxx exam.
In the above sentences, do you think it is better to change the word reservation to book?
You: Hi!
Recp1: Hi! Can I help you?
You: Yes, my name is Joe Evans and I've made a reservation to take the xxx Exam at 8:30. (Whew! Got it right!)
Recp1: Ok... well you just need to go down that hall, take your second right, and it will be the first door on your left. They can help you there.
You: Oh, ok... thanks.
Recp1: You're welcome! Have a lovely day!
You: Oh yes, thanks! You too!
You: Hi!
Recp2: Just a minute please...
You: Ok.
....
You: ...?...?
....
Recp2: May I help you?
You: Yes, I've made a reservation at 8:30 to take...
Recp2: Last name?
You: Huh?
Recp2: Do you have a last name?
You: Yes ... um.... Evans.... Joe Evans.
Recp2: EV..UNS EV..UNS ... Oh here it is.. EV ANS (rolls eyes like it was your fault). Hmmm... ok here you are. You're set for Exam xxx at 8:30. Here's your name badge. You can enter the room no earlier than 8:15. Doors lock at 8:30 promptly so don't be late.
You: Ok! Thank you very much!
Recp2: Just doin' my job.
Choice #3: "Hi, I have an 8:30 reservation to take xxx exam."
Also, you can't swap book for reservation. Book, where reservations are concerned, is a verb, not a noun, while a reservation is a noun. You can swap book for made, ("Hi, I booked an 8:30 reservation...") but I don't recommend it here.
Honestly, the most natural way to say it is the simplest. I would say, "Hi, I have an 8:30 reservation to take xxx exam." And I would follow it smoothly with the sentence, "My last name is C-O-D-E-S-W..." (I spell my last name instead of saying it, because the pronunciation of my last name reliably confuses novices as to how to spell it.)
