Asking for someone on the phone

Question

I called my friend from work at a Spanish speaking household and his wife answered. I asked “¿Está José allí?” Is José there? After an awkward pause she said “sí” and gave him the phone. I felt like that probably wasn’t correct or a typical way to put it. What would be a better way for me to respectfully request to speak to someone? Not sure if this is the correct section...

Answer 1

you said There is Joseph!!! ha ha ha

No, he/she didn't. She asked the right question, except for that "allí", which sounds strange, because "allí" means a place very far from the person who asks, and the person who listens. I'd say:

¿Está José, por favor?

Answer 2

Thanks! I did not realize that allí would refer to both me and the person I was talking to. btw I am a guy, I was calling my buddy from work. I should've made my username el estudiante!

Answer 3

yeah what the other person wrote