Are you afraid of the telephone?

Hello everyone welcomed back to Your Educational Podcast.  I am your host Dr. Anthony.  Today's podcast is titled, "Are you afraid of the telephone? " Talking on the telephone can be extremely challenging for someone using a second language. You will want to be prepared so that the person you are calling understands what is being said.  Consider the following tips; first of all, you will want to write down the person's name on paper. Practice pronouncing the person's name correctly. During the actual conversation say the person's name, people love to hear their names.  Next, write down the questions you will be asking.  For the beginners, do not stress yourself with too many questions.  It would be best to start off with two or three good questions concerning your inquiry. Practice saying your questions over and over again. You can also practice with a friend or family member until you feel confident.   Remember this important fact, when talking over the telephone all you have to rely on is your voice.  The people you are talking to can't see you, so it is very important to make a good impression.  Try not to sound too nervous over the telephone, if you are well-prepared, this will not be hard to do.  Nervous people talk too quickly and have hard time conveying information over the telephone.  With practice  you eliminate any nervousness. Be sure to make your call in a quiet area, away from distractions.  Having background noise will make it difficult for your listener to hear you.   Did you also know that your mood also affects how you sound over the telephone?  Do not make calls when you are emotionally upset.  Your listener will easily pick up on your mood.  Try smiling while you are talking on the telephone.  Professional speakers smile naturally, because they understand that they sound brighter and friendlier when they use this technique.  Decide whether you want to stand up or sit down while you're making your call.  I prefer to stand up while I'm making my calls, because it allows me the freedom to move around and use my body language.  Others prefer to sit down while they're making their calls, and have the luxury of having paper and pencil nearby on their desk.  Taking notes are important, so be prepared to write down important information relating to your questions.   As a native speaker, I can remember the time when I was terrified of talking over the telephone.  But with practice, I was able to overcome my fear.  Having the ability to speak over the telephone can be a great asset to your personal and professional life.  When it comes to international business, the ability to get the point across is essential for success.  Consider how valuable, you will become when your colleagues realize your ability to speak to international clients.  In this ever challenging business arena, we cannot solely rely on e-mails as a form of communication.  Being able to make that call overseas, delivers a personal touch, and strengthens business and personal relationships.  I want to thank all my friends and students around the world for listening to Your Educational Podcast...  This is Dr. Anthony, signing off....