TELEPHONE ETIQUETTE

The majority of phone users do not understand the importance of basic phone etiquette. If they did, phone diplomacy would be the norm.

Greeting a caller does not take a lot of skill. What it takes is a basic knowledge and a readiness to make others feel at ease on the telephone.

THE BASICS

✔ Start with a name and proceed with a reason
✔ When speaking, enunciate your words and pitch your voice 
✔ Have an empty mouth (food, beverage, gum) 
✔ Stay fully focused. Multitask after the call 
✔ Ask the question: “Is this a good time to talk?”
✔ Be considerate with the duration of a call 
✔ Remember politeness - “please” and “thank you”

✔ Use a smile on your dial. A friendly voice disarms apprehension
✔ Do not be unkind; critical, cynical, complaining 

When we moved to America just over eight years ago, I initially surmised that Americans were a bunch of bad-mannered individuals. Shame on me! A good friend and Etiquette expert, Deborah King, reminded me of this statement, “Yes, our manners are poor, some more than others. Now we have our work cut out!”

What we face is a Global ignorance.

Every individual primarily reflects the soil of training in his or her home. What contributes to the polish of a person is collectively; input from schools, colleges, further education, books, buddies, and mentors.

The difference between you and I is in proportion to the books we have read and the people we have met. People influence our lives for good or bad. Just as you are what you eat, you are what you read and listen to.

Uncover good phone manners and start the butterfly effect. It takes one person with one kind word to ignite the potential in others.

We are all a work in progress. Reflect politeness on the telephone regardless of the situation. If you are under stress, feeling unwell, or simply in a bad mood, then it is best for all involved that you do not take the call (other than the possible emergency).

A good verse; “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:14

A good tongue is not a work of chance.

String your sentences like a work of art.

After all, you are God’s masterpiece.

© Deborah Choma