The saying that, ‘how ever did we survive before the first mobile phone?’ is so, so true every day.This reality comes home even more when, just by pushing the buttons,you close a deal running into millions sitting in front of the television and watching your favourite programme. Do we even remember now that before the cell phone there was the landline as we call it? I certainly had one in my flat. What about you. Did you have one?Let’s talk about telephone etiquette and all that is associated with this modern way of communication.
GENERAL RULES
1. Rudeness to and lack of consideration for the person on the other end of the line is the first thing we must avoid. Be polite at all times.
2. Ensure you check the number and dial correctly.
3. You should allow the phone to ring long enough before you hang up. The person you are trying to reach might be busy or far from the phone.
4. Do not ask them to wait when they pick. Identify yourself immediately and let them know why you are calling.
5. Ask if it is convenient for them to speak. Talk loud enough but do not shout.
6. If you dial a wrong number, It is rude for you to hang up immediately. Instead apologise for the mix-up.
7. Observe courtesies like hello, please,thank you and goodbye.
MAKING A CALL
1. Doing other things while answering a call is not proper. You should be attentive.
2. Do not interrupt while the other person is talking. This will also help you to gather your own thoughts so you can respond appropriately.
3. If you know the person’s name, address them by their name. You just need to use the right title where this is applicable.
4. You may have to put the person on the other end on hold. It is best for you to ask if you could call them back instead of putting them on indefinite hold mode.
5. Seriously, you do not want to ever break a bad news on phone. This is best done face-to-face.
RECEIVING A CALL
- You have the responsibility of answering the phone promptly. And be pleasant to your caller.
- If the call is not for you, write the message down and deliver it to the rightful owner.
- Always return all calls promptly you never know it just might a life saver for someone in distress.
- If you need to transfer the call do be polite and let the caller know that youwant to do so.
- Always let the caller end the call.
- Hang up the phone gently and remember to say your farewell with a goodbye to the caller.
CELL PHONES
1. Do you know that it is expected that you share your message with whoever you are when you are either receiving or sending one. Why you might wonder. For the simple reason that the person does not feel offended that the message might be about them. So you want to be careful about the content of your message just in case you are asked to actually show it. Surprised? There’s more…
2. Do not use your cell phone in the wrong place or time. Switch off your phone, put on silence/vibrate mode when absolutely necessary in public transport, shopping malls, cinemas, church, doctors waiting room, lecture rooms.
3. Have you heard some of the very embarrassing ring tones some people have? These are personal choices, but you do not want to give a wrong image especially in corporate circles.
4. Do not drive or walk on the street while on the cell phone. This makes your reflexes slow and you are more susceptible to accidents.
5. It is bad manners to use the cell phone while in company of another person. But since we cannot control the calls we receive or need to make sometimes, make your apologies to the person you are with and take or make your call.
6. It is unforgivable for you to pick a call or keep talking on the phone while you are being attended to by another person like the sales girl at the check out counter in the store or the bank teller.
YOUR KIDS AND THE PHONE
You do not want your kids to answer your business calls especially if you work from home. The proper way to handle incoming calls should be deliberately taught to kids. You could start by making them hear the way you answer calls. They would learn a thing or two.It’s been nice being a part of your world in this edition.
You do not want your kids to answer your business calls especially if you work from home. The proper way to handle incoming calls should be deliberately taught to kids. You could start by makingthem hear the way you answer calls. They would learn a thing or two.It’s been nice being a part of your world in this edition.
Thank you and God bless.