Tips for Talking on the Phone

Tips for Talking on the Phone

In sales or in an interview

Have you ever made a call where you did not know the other person on the other end and your nerves began to climb? Maybe you had a phone call for a job interview, a sales call for work, or maybe (if you are truly honest) you got nervous ordering a pizza for the first time. The phone starts ringing, cue the heart racing. 

Phone calls can be awkward because you can’t see the person on the other end. You can’t read their body language or see their facial expressions. That can sometimes make talking on the phone feel a little awkward at times. Here are a few tips to ease your phone call anxiety.

1. Make a plan for what you are going to say

If you are really nervous, write out exactly what you want to say and practice it. Write bullet points of what you want to make sure to cover. When you are ready to place the call have that list ready in your hand to look down at if you lose your train of thought. 

2. Be prepared

Have the resources you need available to answer questions that may be asked of you.

Before you place the call, take a deep breath and remember to speak clearly, slowly, and avoid saying filler words like “um, uh, and like.” 

3. Anticipate the questions they will ask you…

...and have a response ready! Write out every question you think you will get and go through how you would answer each question. However, it is important to not sound rehearsed when you are talking. Know your stuff but don’t memorize a speech. 

4. Be prepared to leave a voicemail

Who else is guilty of hoping they won’t answer so you can just leave a voicemail but then the beep comes and you have left a stuttering voicemail that was slightly incoherent…

This is a safe space and if I were to guess your face looks something like this about right now.

Write down a short elevator pitch of who you are, why you are calling, and a number or email to call you back on.  

5. There’s a person on the other end of that phone

Remember on the other end of that phone is a person. It’s important to be professional but don’t be afraid to show your personality and enjoy making a connection with someone new. Allowing yourself to...well...be yourself will create more genuine relationships with the people you come in contact with.

Talking on the phone for your job or for an interview takes practice to get used to. There is natural anxiety that occurs but the more experience you have on the phone the better you will get at it. The best way to ease these fears is to come over prepared. Just like public speaking, know your stuff and know it well. 

One of the main things to remember is you are making a new connection. In order to build a strong and genuine relationship, you need to be yourself. Leave the robotic talk at home and come ready to meet someone new.

Learning how to confidently speak on the phone will benefit you in nearly every profession. Start practicing today!