What you MUST say when someone takes your phone call
We are now available 24X7 on our phones. And we have been conditioned to answer our phones no matter what we are doing or where we are – even if we are in the restroom!
Years ago, Edwin Gallard made a cell phone call from the toilet on a Metro North train in New York. Whilst making the call, he accidentally dropped the phone into the toilet. When he went to retrieve the phone, his arm got stuck in the bowl. First responders were called in to extricate his arm, and the train was held up for hours during rush hour. Needless to say, his fellow passengers were not too impressed with Mr Gallard!
When you call someone on the phone – irrespective of whether you are calling a mobile phone or a landline – the very first thing you should do after saying hello and introducing yourself – is to ask them if now is a good time to speak. After all, in the case of a call to a mobile phone, how do you know they are not in the bathroom and have mindlessly taken your call?
If it is not a suitable time to call, simply ask them when you can call back, and try again then.
This simple act of asking if now is a convenient time to speak demonstrates courtesy and care about the other person’s time.
It is a basic, no-brainer thing to do, but unfortunately not too many people do this! They simply launch into the conversation, with zero regard for whether or not this is an optimal time for the other person.
When you think about it, you are calling that person with an objective that is important to you. You may want to close a deal. You may want to organise a meeting. You may have a problem that requires prompt resolution.
You want your call to succeed. You may not get a second chance at speaking with this person again!
Timing is one of the vital ingredients to success in life. And this situation is no different. You maximise your chances for achieving your phone call’s objective, if the timing is right for you and the other party.
So, whatever you do, ask the other person very early on, if now is a good time to speak!
© 2020 Susan Weser. All rights reserved.
Susan Weser is the Founder of Speaking2Win, a boutique public speaking and presentation skills consultancy, based in Melbourne, Australia. Susan’s mission is to demystify public speaking and presenting. She loves to fast-track her clients’ public speaking success, empowering them with the skills and confidence to excel in all their public speaking endeavours.
