Correct Telephone Etiquette for a Successful Image Building

Phone Etiquette 

Of late, be it in a personal relationship or a business association, telephone conversations play a vital role in every sphere. Thus, conversing in a wrong way even over a telephone, can lead to serious blunders.

As an Image Consultant, when I guide people on various characteristics of their personalities, I put a major stress on learning the proper telephone etiquette. I consider, maintaining the right phone etiquette is as much important as talking to someone in person.

Just because, you can't see him/her; you should not follow impolite manners on a telephone tête-à-tête. Although, person at the other end of the receiver cannot see your facial expressions, the impression he receives is only through what he/she hears.

Greet politely when pick up the phone. It makes the whole conversation go much stress-free! Do not make the caller wait for too long. Pick up on the second ring. Keep the tone neutral and clear which is loud enough to be heard. Do not shout. While answering a call, use your full name instead of your first or last name alone. It sounds really unprofessional.  For example say it in a welcoming pitch "Hi, This is Mona Motwani speaking!"

When you are expecting an important call during your meeting, which cannot be re-scheduled, then inform the person you are meeting with, prior to the meeting.  While dialing someone, if you end up with no answers, please leave a short voice-mail. While leaving your number via a voice-mail, say it slowly and clearly. Do not make things inconvenient for others.

Side-step any kind of terrible noises while speaking on the phone. For example: eating, drinking, burping, smacking your gums together, yawning, mumbling or making popping noises with your mouth. If you have no choice but to sneeze or cough, excuse yourself and quickly cover the phone's sound piece.

If a phone call lands with a sad news, avoid the sound of excitement in your voice. Lower down your tone to express empathy. Say a comforting line before hanging up. 

Always end with politeness saying: "Have a pleasant day" or "It was pleasant speaking with you." Avoid making phone calls between 10:00 at night to 7:00 in the morning.

Be a perfect speaker even on telephone! It has a lot of bearing on your image!

Work on Self. Make a Difference!!