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Telephone Etiquette: The Workplace
The telephone has been in use since its invention in 1860. Today the telephone is a vital means of communications for millions of Americans. With the proliferation of cell phones, satellite phones, two way voice devices, and VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol), the telephone has become a device many use every day of their lives.
Telephone etiquette is applicable for use within all realms of telephony. Telephone etiquette in the workplace takes a special precedent because of it prevalence. Everyday people use the telephone to conduct business. With proper etiquette one can create a better communication stream, which will lead to more business and thus greater profit for all. This article examines a few basic principals once can use to enhance their telephone etiquette.
Get to the point when entering into a conversation involving business. Telephone etiquette is as much about being direct, as it is anything else. When a business associate calls, feel free to be polite but understand they are probably on a tight schedule. Think about the time you have at work to be on hold, or chatted to about unrelated nonsense? The answer is most likely zero minutes and zero seconds, so if we can assume so much about you what makes any other working individual different? It is the number one imperative point of telephone etiquette to be direct with others. Everyone will respect you for your candid nature on the telephone; one that doesn't waste time is bound to make more progress than those that are wasting time. By utilizing the first principal of telephone etiquette you too can benefit.
Kill the background noise when involved in a business telephone call. Telephone etiquette requires you to be available for discussion without distraction. Background noise could be a radio on your desk, a crying baby if you work from home, or even your favorite television show. With less noise you will be more apt to have a positive communication experience. Don't think this advice applies to you? Think of doing business on a cell phone. Things like driving in a loud car with the windows down while trying to talk to a business associate happen daily, so make sure to avoid this by pulling over, rolling up the windows before starting a conversation.
The final aspect of telephone etiquette is to listen to others when they are talking. Recently on the phone with a business associate I noticed a consistent pattern of interruptions taking place from the other line. This is something that many experience every day. While interruptions are often not meant to be an irritant from others, telephone etiquette requires users to wait until one is finished before making a point of their own.
The next time you pick up the telephone be sure to remember these tips on telephone etiquette, and you may just spread the good manners to the person on the other line.