TELEPHONE ETIQUETTE: Essay Topics

TELEPHONE ETIQUETTE

Telephone here refers to mobile phones also. With the birth of incredibly faster communications, in many formal meetings, interviews, conferences and general conversations, telephones plays a vital role. Hence, it is always important how one speaks over the phone.

The one at the other end may be an important person or not, yet speaking nicely to him or her always sow a pleasant thought in his mind. By talking nicely helps you reduce your tension and anger. Mind you, by answering politely with fine etiquette of manners, one also project one’s own quality, image and characteristics.

There are certain wrong phrases that many people use when answering a call. Say hello if the caller is a known person. If the caller is unknown to you, yet wants to talk to someone at home, tell the caller to kindly wait. You can ask the name of the caller if he/she does not introduce himself or herself.

Before answering a call, or calling someone, clear your throat and modulate your voice. Avoid shouting. Keep your voice audible at the other end. Never say, “I will give you a ring!” This is incorrect although many people say so. Say, “I will give a call.” In America, saying ‘giving a ring’ is ridiculed!

In the absence of the person the caller wants on line, tell the caller mildly that the person is away.

Ask if you could take down a message. Or tell that you will inform as soon as he or she comes back. Meanwhile, ask for the caller’s name. The better way to ask that one is, “who shall I say called, please?” Do not answer with your mouth full, munching something. Never forget to thank.

More than anything else, it is a good culture to follow this simple but great idea which people seldom do! Even if the caller finished talking and bade a good bye, wait until he or she replaced the phone. At times, people suddenly remember something and want to tell you about it.

So, hang on till the line goes dead, and then replace the receiver.