How to Make a Better Impression on the Telephone

When you speak on the telephone, your voice conveys not only your message but your confidence level as well. To come across as a confident person over the telephone and make a better impression, you must use your voice and inflection to portray your professionalism.

Instructions

1. Answer the phone professionally and politely and try to answer the telephone within 2 to 3 rings. Use greetings like "hello" in a casual setting or "hello, this is Sam, how may I help with you" in a professional setting.

2. Speak clearly and directly. Speaking in a low voice over the phone points to a lower confidence level and shows the other person you may be rattled or possibly confused. They may not be able to hear you properly and you may feel embarrassed. Limit the use of the word "um" as well because it makes you sound unsure of yourself.

3. Listen to the person on the other end of the line and remove or limit all distractions as much as possible. Not listening to the other party gets you off track and confused and makes a bad impression to the listening party.

4. Smile while you're talking on the telephone. While the person you're speaking to cannot see your face, you can project what you're feeling through your voice. Engage the person over the phone just as you would in a face-to-face conversation and even use hand gestures if you normally would use them in a conversation.

5. Prepare yourself beforehand to create a better impression if the call is of an important nature. Have all materials necessary to the call in front of you so you aren't fumbling around and searching for what you need while trying to talk.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't interrupt while talking on the telephone. This creates the impression that you are impatient. It is better to wait for the person you're speaking with to finish his or her thought and then say what you are thinking.