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5 Tips For Communicating By Phone And Sending A Professional Impression
As workers and workplaces become more relaxed in appearance and protocol the more difficult it is to leave a professional impression - in person or on the phone.
By: Allie Casey
As workers and workplaces become more relaxed in appearance and protocol the more difficult it is to leave a professional impression - in person or on the phone.
By: Allie Casey
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Because the visual and non-verbal components of communication are absent when communicating by phone the more challenging it is to send a positive impression.
Consider these 5 tools for communicating more effectively by phone:
1. Address the listening by name. Use the listener's name more frequently than you would in face-to-face conversations. Everyone likes to hear their name and this conveys to the listener that you are fully present in the conversation. Perceptions are inflated without the aid of visual communication so addressing your listener by name sends a favorable impression.
2. Speak at a moderately fast rate. Counter your rate of speaking with your listener as you begin your conversation and then bring it up just a notch. Speaking too quickly may result in the impression that you are rushing to get off the phone. Conversely, speaking too slowly can make you sound less credible or cause your listener to lose interest.
3. Use volume effectively. Fortunately, most phones have volume control but why make it difficult for your listener. Matching volume with your listener is one less barrier to communication. The more considerate you are of your listener the more professional you will sound.
4. Articulate and avoid annoying speech patterns. Sloppy speaking, lingo, casual conversational patterns or repetitive phrases may send the message that you are casual about your business dealings as well. Pronunciation and enunciation are amplified over the phone. Ahs and ums make you send less prepared or unsure. Repetitive phrases such as "you know" or lingo used with friends or family should be avoided. "Dude" or "girlfriend" need to be left at home. Take time to listen to your speech patterns and clean up your act.
5. Smile. Smart sales professionals know that smiling can be heard over the phone. So can positive body language and gestures. Stand while speaking, expand your lungs, speak with gestures and your listener will hear the difference.
The vocal and verbal message you communicate on the phone needs to match your non-verbal message, even if it can not be seen. The best way to improve your skill is to tape yourself and notice what might distract your listener or send a less than favorable impression.
Relaxed appearance tends to create relaxed posture. Use a good chair or stand up when communicating by phone. Manage your impression on the phone and you'll be regarded as credible and professional.
If you would like more tips and techniques on communicating and listening go to www.listeningskillssuccess.com and claim a FREE Listening Skills Assessment and report instantly. I'm guessing you'll find a few 'aha' moments while you're taking this short evaluation.
Allie Casey, workplace communications speaker, trainer, and coach helps business people decrease misunderstandings, increase confidence and be more productive. Let Allie bring fun, enthusiasm and experience to you next meeting. Contact Allie at www.alliecasey.com only if you want more cooperation and fewer headaches.
Consider these 5 tools for communicating more effectively by phone:
1. Address the listening by name. Use the listener's name more frequently than you would in face-to-face conversations. Everyone likes to hear their name and this conveys to the listener that you are fully present in the conversation. Perceptions are inflated without the aid of visual communication so addressing your listener by name sends a favorable impression.
2. Speak at a moderately fast rate. Counter your rate of speaking with your listener as you begin your conversation and then bring it up just a notch. Speaking too quickly may result in the impression that you are rushing to get off the phone. Conversely, speaking too slowly can make you sound less credible or cause your listener to lose interest.
3. Use volume effectively. Fortunately, most phones have volume control but why make it difficult for your listener. Matching volume with your listener is one less barrier to communication. The more considerate you are of your listener the more professional you will sound.
4. Articulate and avoid annoying speech patterns. Sloppy speaking, lingo, casual conversational patterns or repetitive phrases may send the message that you are casual about your business dealings as well. Pronunciation and enunciation are amplified over the phone. Ahs and ums make you send less prepared or unsure. Repetitive phrases such as "you know" or lingo used with friends or family should be avoided. "Dude" or "girlfriend" need to be left at home. Take time to listen to your speech patterns and clean up your act.
5. Smile. Smart sales professionals know that smiling can be heard over the phone. So can positive body language and gestures. Stand while speaking, expand your lungs, speak with gestures and your listener will hear the difference.
The vocal and verbal message you communicate on the phone needs to match your non-verbal message, even if it can not be seen. The best way to improve your skill is to tape yourself and notice what might distract your listener or send a less than favorable impression.
Relaxed appearance tends to create relaxed posture. Use a good chair or stand up when communicating by phone. Manage your impression on the phone and you'll be regarded as credible and professional.
If you would like more tips and techniques on communicating and listening go to www.listeningskillssuccess.com and claim a FREE Listening Skills Assessment and report instantly. I'm guessing you'll find a few 'aha' moments while you're taking this short evaluation.
Allie Casey, workplace communications speaker, trainer, and coach helps business people decrease misunderstandings, increase confidence and be more productive. Let Allie bring fun, enthusiasm and experience to you next meeting. Contact Allie at www.alliecasey.com only if you want more cooperation and fewer headaches.
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