Six important «don’ts» of telephone communication

Today I want to talk to you about common problem situations in business communication. This — our dear mistakes in a telephone conversation. Oh, how we sometimes dread.

Once the great Oscar Wilde said that «experience — it’s just a word that we call our mistakes» («Experience is the name we give to our mistakes»). But sometimes we do them, regardless of our knowledge. It is very important to draw conclusions. Here are some of the most common mistakes when communicating by phone in English, which should be avoided:

«I’m so serious too!» (I am deadly serious!)

When we are working in a foreign language, there are certain stereotypes that we want to match: we want to look professional. As a result (as a result), we can overdo it (overdo it). Sometimes it knocks partners confused, and they decide that you are — a very serious person. So from time to time to smile. It will give ease to your voice.

«I’m bored!» (I am bored!)

Often, speaking in a foreign language is very difficult to find the right tone (intonation). As a result, you can appear very monotonous (extremely monotone). And thanks to the impression that you’re bored and you’re tired of talking. To avoid this, Bring a little bit of energy in the voice. Make a special emphasis (emphasize) on the main words or sentences.

It is not clear?

Sometimes, when we are not completely sure how to speak (pronounce) the word, we can his «swallow» (swallow) or it sounds incomprehensible. Therefore, speak clearly, even if you say the word correctly. Another person might understand it from the context. If not, he would kill you, and you can tell that it is not quite sure how to pronounce it. In any case, the meaning is clear.

I tense! (I am stressed!)

It is more difficult to perform multiple tasks (to multitask), when you work in a foreign language. In the native language, we can talk on the phone, taking notes (make notes), from time to time to check the computer monitor (check the computer screen) and give marks to a colleague in the office (signal across the room to a colleague). When we try to do it all, speaking a foreign language, we can very easily miss an important piece of information (easily miss important piece of information). And, accordingly, we seem tense (stressed). So focus on your English and that says the source.

NO negatives!

Due to the fact that we have to worry about their language skills (language skills), we sometimes try to reduce expectations of our interlocutors, using a lot of negative words like «unfortunately» (unfortunately) and the phrase «I’m sorry, but …» ( I’m sorry, but … / I’m sorry, but …), «I do not know if we can …» (I do not know if we can …), «I’m not sure whether this is possible …» (I do not sure if this is possible), or «I can not …» (I can not …). Sounding positively much better. Here’s a simple rule: every time you want to say something negative, immediately after this, use positive information. For example:

I’m afraid a meeting next week is not possible. But I could come the following Tuesday, if that’s OK. — I’m afraid that the meeting next week is impossible. But I could come next Tuesday, if possible.

Off ingratitude!

At the end of the call in English sometimes we are so glad that it finally came to an end, just forget about the other person. So do not forget to thank your interlocutor for his time (to thank the person you talked to for their time), for information and guidance.

Are you familiar with the above restrictions? If so, just use this article as a checklist (checklist) for your next international call.

 

  3731

Learners