By Ankita Singh
Your voice is the sole means of communicating over the telephone. Even so, watch your body language and facial expressions-they affect the way you sound. If you slump, for example, you often will sound tired or breathless. To keep a healthy and bright tone in your voice, smile when talking on a phone.Don't answer the phone in a rush. Pause a moment, take a deep breath, and then breathe out slowly as you pick up the receiver. You will sound more relaxed. If you recognize the other person's voice, use his/her name on your greeting. Use it again during the conversation and when parting. When making a difficult call, work out beforehand exactly what you wish to say. Stand while making the call-it will help you sound more assertive.
Get fairly quickly to the point- "The reason I'm calling is ..." Try to drop the pitch of your voice at the ends s sentences and phrases-it will help you be more definite.
If you know somebody is apt to talk a lot, make it clear at the start of the call that you have only a limited time. There are several ways of curtailing a call; "It's been lovely talking to you, but I really must dash" or "I know you are quite occupied, so I better go now." If all fails, try, "my other line is ringing" or "I think there's someone at the door."
When leaving a message on someone's answering machine, speak clearly and slowly to allow the person take down any details as your message plays back. Many people feel uneasy with answering machines. Again, visualize the other person-and you will sound more relaxed.
With the increasing use of tele-communication and cellular phones, it has become of utmost importance that we pay special attention to HOW and WHAT we speak on the phones.
