Not Be Nervous when Speaking to Strangers on the Phone

Talking to a stranger on the phone can be scary. Whether you forget what you needed to say, trip over your words, stammer, or just feel that you can't make the call at all, there are some simple steps you can take to make telephone conversations with strangers a breeze.

Steps

1. Identify why you are making the call. If you are clear about why you need to make this call, it will be easier to focus on the purpose instead of on the fact that it is a stranger on the other end.
2. Write down your key questions and any information you think they will need. For example, if you're calling about a job listed in the newspaper, write down your questions ("Is the job still available?" "Where can I apply?" "Should I send my resume?"), as well as information they may ask for such as your full name, address, telephone number, and current employer information.
3. Have a pen and pencil handy to jot notes, so you don't have to ask somebody to wait while you find them.
4. Eliminate distractions. Turn off the television, stereo or computer. Try to find a place where someone is not likely to interrupt you. Ask children to watch TV in another room, or play outside.
5. Mentally prepare (or jot notes, if you like) for different possible responses.
   • The person you wish to reach might answer.
   • Somebody else might answer for them.
   • An answering machine or voice mail system might pick up.
6. Drink a small amount of water before you call. Nervousness can make your mouth feel dry, and that can make it harder to talk.
7. Clear your throat and get your voice started before you dial, especially if you've been working quietly for a time leading up to the call.
8. If possible, place the call when you're not in a hurry to do something else. Don't wait forever, though.
9. Remember that the person on the other end of the line may be just as nervous as you are. You are a stranger to them. But odds are, they are a nice person, and are there to help you.
10. Make that call! The sooner you start, the sooner you'll be able to look back on a successful call. That wasn't so hard, was it?

Tips

• Learn basic telephone etiquette (see related links). Basic good manners will smooth relations with anybody you call, and the routine pleasantries will give you something to fall back on if you feel like you are at a loss for words.
• If somebody calls you at an inconvenient time, agree upon a time to call them back.
• If you didn't hear something the person said, don't hesitate to ask him/her to repeat or even to spell key details such as names and addresses. If it's noisy and you're having trouble hearing, say so. Most people will be happy to speak louder or slower if you ask.
• If you make a mistake or even accidentally get disconnected, don't panic. Just reconnect, say "Sorry about that" or "Excuse me" and start over.
• Recognize that telephone conversations are an extremely routine event in most people's lives. Most people don't think twice about them. Since nobody is watching that closely, you can relax.
• You can cut down on phone tag by making a specific appointment. Say, "May I call back at 2:30 on Tuesday?" and then follow through.
• Practice makes perfect! Start with short, simple calls like asking for the hours a store is open. Then move on to calls for directions, questions about a product in an advertisement, or making a dinner reservation. Pretty soon even complex calls like flight reservations or questions about a utility bill will be easier than you could have imagined.
• If you want, you can mention to people that email is the best way to reach you, but keep in mind that some people are just as uncomfortable writing as you are talking.
• Get a phone tracer.
• Tell the person you're calling that you're nervous.

Warnings

• Don't offend the stranger.He/She could be someone you least expect.
• Use the washroom beforehand; bathroom noises may not be welcome to the person you are talking to.

Related Articles

• Overcome Shyness
• Accept Being Shy
• Use the Telephone
• Answer the Phone Politely
• Speak Professionally on the Phone
• Call a Stranger on the Phone

See also

• Avoid Saying "Yes" to Coming to Work When Called In
• Handle a Bomb Threat over the Telephone
• Get Rid of Unwanted Calls on Your Cell Phone
• Stop Unwanted Phone Calls
• Make Up an Excuse to Get Off the Phone
• Stop Collection Calls
• Deal With Abusive Phone Calls
• Finish a Phone Conversation Without Being Rude
• Handle an Irate Customer on the Phone
• Tell if Someone Is Ignoring Your Calls and Decide What to Do About It

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What links here

• Stop Mumbling and Speak Clearly
• Start a Conversation with a Stranger
• Be Comfortable Around Strangers
• Overcome Selective Mutism
• Send Files to a Cell/Mobile Phone Using Bluetooth Technology