How to Screen Calls
Phones are an essential part of life, and cell phones have made communication so much easier. Now we're available to callers at almost any time. But we can forget that when the phone rings, we don't necessarily have to answer it. The same technology that keeps us constantly connected helps us to screen callers. Take control of your phone.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
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Screening Calls on Your Land Line
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Use caller ID. Even though this is an extra-cost service with most phone companies, it is often available as part of a reasonably priced package. It's worth the cost because it lets you take control of your time by identifying the caller up front. Check the caller ID display and decide how you will handle the call.
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2
Use your answering machine. If you don't want to take the call, or if you don't have caller ID and want to discover the caller's identity, let the call go to your answering machine. Listen in as the message is taken; if it turns out to be something important, you can always pick it up. Some people are embarrassed to do so because that shows the caller that they were being screened. There is no embarrassment in that. If someone came to your door, you'd look out the window before deciding to answer. The phone is no different.
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3
Use other features that might be available from your local phone company. Privacy and call management features are getting very popular. These include assigning special rings to certain callers or giving each of your family members a certain ring to let you know who the call is for before you even check the caller ID.
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4
Get a dedicated phone number just to give out to stores and vendors. Don't hand out your phone number every time someone asks. This can get you placed on sales lists and increase annoying calls. Even if you are on the National Do Not Call Registry, once you give out your number you've opened yourself up to solicitations. There are online services like Grandcentral and k7.net that give you a free voice mailbox. Use one of those numbers instead of your home or cell line.
Screening Calls on Your Cell Phone
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1
Use caller ID just as you would on your land line. Check the display so you can decide whether you want to answer the call or simply let it flip to voice mail.
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Use your phone's other call management features. Many cell phones allow you to customize rings for certain callers, and you may also be able to program your phone not to ring when specific people call. Explore your phone's specific features and use them to your fullest.
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3
Don't be afraid to turn your cell phone off. People forget that in the old days the world didn't come to a stop just because they couldn't be reached immediately by phone. There are times when you just need to relax and not talk to anyone. At those times, turn your phone off and don't feel guilty about it. That's what voice mail is for.
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Tips & Warnings
Cut down on unwanted sales calls by joining the National Do Not Call Registry. This free service eliminates most telemarketing calls, and you can add land lines and cell phones. The link to add your phone numbers is listed in the Resources section below.
