The How-To’s of Phones

After giving a recent presentation to a group of business students on Best Business Practices, I realized how little younger generations (including mine) are taught about phone etiquette. I have no idea why it seems the young aren’t being taught how to take and make calls, but it’s something that can really cripple someone’s potential to communicate with others.

That being said, here’s my favorite 4 tips to making and taking calls.

1. When you’re calling for someone, identify yourself. – Every time you make a call, be sure to announce who you’re calling for and let the other person know who it is. If you’ve only met them once or you’re not well acquainted, do them a favor and explain where you know them from.
2. This is Nate… – Ok, I stole this one. One of my mentors always answered the phone that way. “This is ….” Over the years, I’ve tended to say “Good afternoon, this is Nate”. It sounds like a lot more to say that “Hello”, but it’s worth it to provide some free cheer. Plus, it always helps me to keep track of time.
3. Smile – If you smile while you talk on the phone, you’ll sound happier. It sounds strange, but it really is true. I recently had my wisdom teeth removed and the day I got back to work, every person I talked to commented that I seemed mad. I wasn’t mad at all, I simply couldn’t smile when I talked because of the swelling and I therefore sounded less happy.
4. Let people know where you’re calling from. – When I’m in the car, I always try to let people know that I’m driving and that I’m sorry for all the noise. First, it allows people to know why the background noise is so loud and they’re also more forgiving if I drop their call (thank you cell phone).