Plan a mini-agenda so that you can remember to cover all the points you want to make.
Use a three-point introduction: "May I speak to Jason Johns? This is Lisa
Lane of IBM, and I want to talk with him about software."
Be cheerful and accurate.
Speak slowly and distinctly even if you are rushed.
Conclude a call with statements such as "I appreciate talking with you, and
I'll get back to you with those figures by Friday."
Let your phonemate know if you are using a speaker phone and others are in
the room.
Eat while making a telephone call.
Complete other tasks while talking. Listeners can hear keyboard clicking and
paper shuffling.
Interrupt a conversation to answer a second incoming call. If absolutely necessary,
excuse yourself, put the caller on hold, and quickly explain to the other
caller that you will have to call back.
Leave a radio or music playing in the background. Avoid running noisy office
equipment during a call.
Sneeze, blow your nose, or cough directly into the receiver. Excuse yourself
for a moment.
Overuse the name of your phonemate during a conversation. Doing so sounds
insincere and patronizing.
Pick up a ringing phone and, using caller ID, immediately identify the caller
("Hi, Ron!"). Such responses startle callers and might make you appear sneaky.
